R 047

2003 -- H 5859

Enacted 02/12/03

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

MEMORIALIZING THE GOVERNOR OF RHODE ISLAND TO REQUEST PROPOSALS

FOR A NEW STATE WORKERS' HEALTH CARE CONTRACT

Introduced By: Representatives Giannini, Fox, and Costantino

Date Introduced: February 12, 2003

     WHEREAS, Health care insurance is a fundamental necessity that provides security to

state workers and their families; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island state employees health benefits are provided exclusively by a

Blue Cross contract previously negotiated by the Governor and the Department of

Administration; and

     WHEREAS, The current contract for the state employees health care benefits with Blue

Cross is based on a risk-sharing formula of possible losses that exceed cost estimates for any

given year. This provision can produce unexpected last minute deficits to the state budget; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island has an array of reputable and professional health care

companies, and a multitude of plan options available to the average consumer, corporate client or

to the state; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the state of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby respectfully urges the Governor to request proposals for a new

state employee health care contract that would both reduce and fix the cost to the state and would

not drastically affect coverage for employees and their families; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he is hereby authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Carcieri and the Rhode Island

Department of Administration.

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LC02336

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