The new state budget, signed into law June 30, 2013, included several changes related to Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) benefits. The budget included two new surcharges:
- A $25 per month surcharge to premiums for employees and enrolled family members who use tobacco products, and
- A $50 per month surcharge to premiums for members who cover a spouse or domestic partner where the spouse or domestic partner has chosen not to enroll in other employer-based group health insurance that has an actuarial value of not less than 95 percent of the actuarial value of the PEBB plan with the largest enrollment.
HRS and PEBB continue to receive questions about the spouse and tobacco surcharges that will begin in July of 2014. We appreciate your questions and understand that there are concerns about how the surcharges could affect you and your family. The state realizes the surcharges have many potential impacts, and PEBB is working to ensure they consider all aspects in member feedback as part of their decision-making process.
PEBB has provided some FAQ, which they will update as new information becomes available.
