Loan Program for Employees Discussed: An employer-based loan program offers a flexible alternative to high-cost credit options for employees. The program involves minimal underwriting, with loans capped at $1,000 and up to 10% of an employee’s annual salary. The term for repayment is typically 12 months, with interest rates at 18%. Concerns about default rates were addressed, showing a low rate due to payroll deduction mechanisms.
Impact on State Payroll System: The need to set up institutions on the state payroll system raised concerns, particularly by the State Comptroller, due to the workload and system security concerns. The main issue was the perceived complexity of integrating these loans into current payroll systems.
Alzheimer’s Treatment Coverage: A bill was proposed to ensure state employees have access to Alzheimer’s treatment through their health insurance plan. The bill would prevent step therapy from being used to limit drug accessibility, focusing on emerging treatments.
Living Organ Donor Insurance Protections: Discussion about prohibiting insurance discrimination against living organ donors, including potential penalties for insurers. The bill seeks to encourage living donations by ensuring donors are not penalized with higher insurance premiums or denied coverage.
Committee Actions and Votes
Loan Program for Employees: Discussion did not reach a vote, with further amendments and reviews required. Concerns mainly revolved around state payroll integration and potential fiscal impacts.
Alzheimer’s Treatment Coverage: Bill passed with a vote of 7 for, 1 against, and 1 excused.
Yes:
Senator Randolph
Senator Cadora
Senator Walker
Senator Schmidt
Senator Freeman
Senator Carrasco
Chair Baldwin
No:
Senator Gaskell
Excused:
Senator Alting
Living Organ Donor Insurance Protections: Bill passed with 6 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 excused.
Yes:
Senator Randolph
Senator Cador
Senator Walker
Senator Schmidt
Senator Carrasco
Chair Baldwin
No:
Senator Freeman
Senator Gaskill
Reservations were made about the UDAP provision, which might be amended in a later reading.
Excused
Senator Alting
Additional Notes
Emotional Testimonies on Organ Donation: Several individuals shared moving personal stories about organ donation, highlighting the life-saving importance and personal impact of such decisions.
Senator Breaux’s Legacy: The memory of Senator Jean Breaux played a significant role, particularly in pushing forward the living organ donor bill, which had previously been stalled.
Cross-sectional Support and Challenges: The initiative to support employees through financial products and innovative health coverage drew broad support across sectors, although technical implementation remained a challenge.
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