Board approves proposed rule to oversee voluntary employee benefit products; public comment to follow

Board members voted to approve a proposed rule that would create procurement and operational guidelines for voluntary products offered to state employees, such as dental, vision, supplemental life, cancer policies and accidental-death coverage. EBD presenters said the rule implements the requirements of Act 533 of 2023 and does not apply to public schools.

The presenter said EBD worked with a vendor partner (referred to as Arceva in the transcript) to draft procurement and oversight processes because a consistent procurement mechanism for these voluntary products did not previously exist. The governor’s office has reviewed the draft, and the next step is a public-comment period; if substantive changes result, the rule would return through the governor’s office and relevant advisory bodies for final action.

A motion to approve the proposed rule was made by the secretary and seconded; the board approved the motion by voice vote. The presenter confirmed the rule would cover all eligible state employees, including corrections employees, and that public comment would precede final promulgation and any legislative action.

The board concluded business and noted the next meeting on April 22, 2024.