By Bob Katzen

The House and Senate approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would provide $300 million for health insurance coverage for the 460,000 public employees, retirees and dependents who access health care through the state’s Group Insurance Commission. Supporters said that these additional funds are necessary because of higher-than-anticipated utilization and pharmaceutical expenses.

“Health care is a fundamental promise we make to the public employees, retirees and families who keep our commonwealth running,” said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today the Legislature acted together to ensure that more than 460,000 people can continue to access the care they rely on without disruption.”

“Given that hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents access their health care through the Group Insurance Commission, ensuring that it is adequately funded is of vital importance,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy).”

“With the swift passage of this mini supplemental budget, the Legislature is prioritizing access to vital health care for state employees and doing our due diligence, paying providers on time for the health care services our residents depend on,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “I look forward to the governor’s quick and decisive action on this bill.”