Teacher Health Insurance Measure Passes Senate

Sen. Corn says HB 2662 will help keep Oklahoma competitive with other states in obtaining and keeping teachers.

A bill that would pay 100 percent of state teacher’s single insurance premiums has cleared yet another legislative hurdle. HB 2662 authored by Senator Kenneth Corn and House of Representatives Speaker Larry Adair would provide state teacher’s with much needed financial relief.

The measure provides that all state teachers and principals receive 100 percent of their single insurance premiums under the Health Choice High Option to be paid for by the state. An important amendment was also made to HB 2662 to protect teachers from losing a portion of their salary.

“I am very pleased this vital piece of legislation has passed the Senate and will continue in the legislative process,” stated the Democrat Senator from Poteau. “For too long state teachers have been under-paid and under-appreciated and HB 2662 is an effort by the State Legislature to send teachers the message that they are a top priority. The education of Oklahoma’s youth is in the hands of our wonderful teachers and it is time they receive the benefits they deserve.”

The amendment was made in the Senate to take out the provision that some school districts are using. Under current law, a school district can take a portion of a teacher’s minimum salary to pay for the district’s portion of health insurance costs, which is termed “backing out.” The teacher’s are still required to pay their portion of what the district and state does not cover, which essentially is double-dipping.

The amendment repeals the law that allows school districts to back a portion of their insurance premium payments from the teacher’s minimum salary. The Senate also restored the title of HB 2662, which will enable it to move through the process without needing a conference committee hearing.

“The amendment now allows teachers to fully enjoy the benefits of having 100 percent of their insurance premiums paid by the state and the school districts,” stated Speaker Adair, a democrat from Stilwell.
HB 2662 will now go back to the House of Representatives to consider the Senate amendment. If the amendment is approved by the House and the bill receives a majority vote, HB 2662 will then move forward to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

Contact info

Senate Communications Office - (405) 521-5774