Westmoreland Review

HARRISBURG – Legislation to confirm eligibility of health benefits received by dependents of state employees authored by Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) was unveiled recently. The proposal would require the Commonwealth to conduct an initial dependent eligibility audit of the group health insurance plans for state employees.

Rep. Eric Nelson highlighted the importance of this legislation by referencing a case where a repair worker in Alabama was able to keep his ex-wife covered with health benefits for 14 years, only getting caught when he tried to add his new wife. He emphasized, “As stewards and custodians of taxpayer dollars, we are obligated to investigate and address the very real possibility that this is also happening in state government.”

The bill introduced by Nelson aims to prevent potential fraud and improper payments associated with ineligible family members. He pointed out a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, stating that until 2021, federal government offices were not required to verify family member eligibility, leaving the program vulnerable to such issues.

Nelson's proposal would mandate an initial dependent eligibility audit of group health insurance plans for two state departments, with the results being provided to the General Assembly. He stressed, “We have to start by seeing if Pennsylvania is experiencing the same issues as Washington, D.C., and then be ready to take action.”

In emphasizing the need for efficient use of taxpayer money, Rep. Nelson stated, “Harrisburg isn’t spending toy money. Taxpayers should have full confidence that their investment in government is being used efficiently.”

The initiative put forth by Rep. Eric Nelson reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding taxpayer funds and ensuring the integrity of health benefit programs for state employees.