1. (1) The commissioner shall:

   1. (a) design group benefits plans and establish premium levels for employees;
   2. (b) establish specifications for bids and accept or reject bids for administering group benefits plans;
   3. (c) negotiate and administer contracts for group benefits plans;

   4. (d) prepare an annual report that:

      1. (i) describes the group benefits plans being administered; and
      2. (ii) details the historical and projected program costs and the status of reserve funds; and
   5. (e) adopt policies for the conduct of business of the advisory committee and to carry out the provisions of this part.

2. (2)

   1. (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), the provisions of Title 33 do not apply to the commissioner when exercising the duties provided for in this part.
   2. (b) Group benefit plans designed under this part must include coverage for telehealth services as provided in 33-22-138.
3. (3) The design or modification of group benefits plans and the establishment of employee premium levels are not mandatory subjects for collective bargaining under Title 39, chapter 31.

History: En. Sec. 3, Ch. 256, L. 1999; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 242, L. 2021.