Section 22850.5 - Negotiation with carriers to add core health plan option(a) In performing the duties prescribed by Section 22850, the board shall negotiate with carriers providing health benefit plans to add a core health plan option to the existing portfolio of health plans or to implement other measures to achieve ongoing cost savings beginning in the 2012-13 fiscal year, or both.(b) For purposes of this section, a "core health plan" means a plan that includes all of the following: (1) A plan that provides coverage for essential benefits at lower premiums, for both the state and the employee, than existing benefit plan options.(2) A plan that may include fewer benefits and higher employee cost sharing than those provided in existing health benefit plan options.(3) A plan option that is available for participants beginning in the 2012 open enrollment period for the 2013 calendar year.Added by Stats 2011 ch 11 (SB 80),s 12, eff. 3/24/2011.Former section repealed by Stats 2004 ch 69 (SB 626),s 23, eff. 6/23/2004.