Senate approves $3.75 million appropriation to continue employer premiums for group health and life insurance

The Senate on Dec. 22 approved House Bill 24-75, a measure that permits expenditure of $3,747,585 identified by the governor to continue employer premium payments for the group health and life insurance (GHLI) program for fiscal year 2026.

Senator Bobalta asked whether the $3.7 million covered the full GHLI obligation; Senator Hauschneider and other members clarified the sum is a portion of what is needed for the remainder of the fiscal year and that approximately $4.1 million more is included in the broader FY2026 budget bill, bringing the combined shortfall to roughly $7.2 million. “That is my understanding as well,” one senator said during the clarification exchange.

Members said the House and Senate worked jointly to identify priorities and to include provisions safeguarding retirees and other underfunded activities. The clerk recorded all eight members voting yes on passage of HB24-75.

With the House bill passed, the Department of Finance will have appropriated authority to negotiate payments and coverage for the GHLI program for the balance of FY2026; the Senate indicated it will continue oversight as receipts and obligations are reconciled.