Rural Health Care Equity Program.

Existing law establishes, until July 3, 2010, or earlier, upon a specified finding, the Rural Health Care Equity Program for the purpose of funding the subsidization and reimbursement of premium costs, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket health care expenses paid by employees of State Bargaining Unit 5 living in rural areas, as defined. Prior to July 1, 2009, the program was open to all employees living in rural areas. Existing law provides that moneys remaining in the account of the program on July 1, 2009, other than moneys attributable to State Bargaining Unit 5, are to be deposited in the General Fund. Existing law requires that moneys remaining in a program account upon its termination be deposited in the General Fund. The bill would extend the Rural Health Care Equity Program until January 1, 2012, or to an earlier date upon a specified finding, and would extend the benefits to all employees and annuitants living in rural areas. This bill would delete the provision regarding the disposition of any moneys remaining in a program account on the date the program is terminated.