Benefits March 29, 2011
NC Health Bill Adding Employee Premium Payment Heads to House
March 29, 2011 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – After Senate approval, a bill requiring all active North Carolina state workers to pay monthly health care premiums for their own care for the first time is now headed to the state House.
Reported by Fred Schneyer
An Associated Press news report said the $515-million package is expected to keep the state employee health insurance plan for employees and teachers solvent through mid-2013.
According to the news report, retirees would pay the premium if they receive the more generous of two health programs offered. Senators rejected a Democratic amendment that would have removed the retiree premium. The plan’s 663,000 members also would face higher deductibles and co-pays and 5% premium increases for dependent coverage.
Workers have paid premiums before for optional higher-tier or HMO coverage.