Temporary Health Benefits for Unemployed Textile Workers

Item 552 #1s

Language
Page 472, line 41, strike "$85,811,374" and insert "$87,287,441".
Page 474, following line 6, insert:
"H.1.  This appropriation includes $1,476,067 the second year from the general fund to provide limited health insurance coverage and related administrative expenses for displaced textile workers, as defined in subparagraph H.3.
2.a.  There is hereby created the Temporary Textile Workers Health Benefits Authority for the purpose of providing health insurance coverage for displaced textile workers and their dependents, as described in subparagraph H.3.
b. The temporary health insurance benefits authorized by this item shall be available from June 1, 2000 to May 30, 2001.
c.1. The Temporary Textile Workers Health Benefits Authority shall have no staff and shall serve only to pay the group health insurance premiums on behalf of qualifying individuals.  Staff support shall be provided by the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Personnel and Training.
2. The Department of Personnel and Training shall receive $2,917 per month to provide plan administration services to the Authority.
c. The Virginia Employment Commission shall receive a one-time fee of $10 per claimant.  Such fee shall be used to cover the costs of certification of eligibility to participate in the temporary health benefits program authorized by this item.
d. The limited health insurance coverage authorized by this item shall be provided under the Cost Alliance option administered through the Local Choice health benefits program operated by the Department of Personnel and Training.  The $200 monthly premium per contract unit shall be paid from the appropriation to this item.  Covered individuals shall be responsible for all customary co-payments and deductibles.
e. The Temporary Textile Workers Health Benefits Authority shall enroll all qualifying persons who are certified by the Virginia Employment Commission to the Department of Personnel and Training as eligible for the benefits authorized by this item.
f. The Department of Personnel and Training may utilize the line of credit authorized by §3-2.03, of this Act, to cover any unbudgeted costs of providing the authorized temporary health insurance benefits
3.a. Participation in the temporary health insurance program authorized by this item shall be limited to: i) residents of Virginia and their dependent spouses; ii) former employees of textile companies located in the West Piedmont Planning District and their dependent spouses; and iii) former employees of textile companies located in any county from a Planning District adjoining the West Piedmont Planning District Commission and their dependent spouses, provided that such county’s 1999 average unemployment rate was equal to or greater than 6 percent and the annual average 1999 unemployment rate was at least 25 percent greater than the 1998 annual average unemployment rate.  
b. To be eligible for benefits under this program: i) the former employee’s unemployment status must have resulted from a textile company ceasing or limiting business operations on or after July 1, 1999, but, on or before January 31, 2000; ii) the worker must qualify, or have been qualified, for the regular Unemployment Insurance Program; and iii) the workers must not have been terminated for cause.
c. Qualifying former employees whose benefits have expired, as well as former employees receiving unemployment insurance benefits, may register for the program at local VEC offices in the coverage area or at other sites as determined by the Department of Personnel and Training.  The Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Personnel and Training shall make every effort to utilize sites and procedures that are convenient for the eligible individuals.
d. Limited health insurance coverage for former employees and their dependent spouse shall end at the earlier of: i) full-time employment, defined as working for wages or salary in excess of the federal minimum wage for more than 30 hours per week, or ii) termination of the limited health insurance coverage program."

Explanation
(This amendment creates the Temporary Textile Workers Health Benefits Authority and provides an appropriation of $1,476,067 the second year from the general fund for the purpose of providing health insurance benefits to certain unemployed textile workers in and around the West Piedmont Planning District.)