North Carolina Senate Approves ‘Lower-Cost Option’ for State Employees’ Health Insurance

The North Carolina Senate on a Sept. 26 voice vote "tentatively" approved a bill that offers a "lower-cost option" for health insurance coverage for state employees who wish to include their spouses or families on their plan, the AP/Raleigh News & Observer reports. A joint House-Senate committee developed the proposal as a means to reduce costs for the plan, which has already required a $150 million "cash influx" from the General Assembly this year to remain solvent. Beginning next week, premiums will raise to $152 per month for children's coverage and $365 for spouses and children, up from $117 and $281 respectively. Under the optional package, premiums are set at $112 per month for children and $304 for spouses and children, while the plan deductible increases to $500 per year from the current $350. The bill now moves to the House for consideration (AP/Raleigh News & Observer, 9/26).