Senate budget chief: No health insurance cost hike for state employees next year

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Sen. Ed Hooper says the Legislature will cover the increased costs for the health insurance and not require state employees to pay higher premiums during the next fiscal year. (Photo Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)Tens of thousands of state workers as well as those working for state colleges can expect their health insurance premiums to remain the same for another year, according to the Florida Senate budget chair. Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, made the comment this week while answering questions from reporters about the coming special session on the budget scheduled to start May 12. House and Senate budget negotiators have reached an agreement on budget allocations that dictate how much general revenue — which comes from various state taxes — will be available in separate spending categories for the 2026-27 fiscal year. House, Senate call 18-day budget special session for May 12-29 Hooper was asked whether there would be enough money for across-the-board pay raises for state workers. During the regular session, the Senate had proposed a 3% pay raise with a guaranteed $1,000 increase for all state workers. Hooper replied that it was “still a discussion item,” but added, “We decided to hold steady on any increase in the health insurance, the employee cost, which is a significant number.” Florida’s state group health insurance program has had employee premiums frozen for years even as the cost of coverage has continued to increase. The program is projected to have a nearly $363 million deficit in the fiscal year that begins July 1, growing to $1.6 billion by 2030. Many career service state workers pay $50 a month for individual coverage and $180 a month for family coverage. Senior state employees as well high-ranking agency officials and legislative staff pay lower premiums: $8.34 a month for individual coverage and $30 a month for family coverage. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE