North Carolina state employees and school teachers would pay a monthly premium for their own coverage for the first time and face higher co-pays and deductibles to keep the health plan solvent in legislation the Senate initially approved Thursday, The Associated Press reports.
The Republican-penned measure, approved in a 30-17 party-line vote, seeks to close a $515 million shortfall between expected revenues and medical claims and other expenses through mid-2013. Part of it would be to take away what has been a treasured fringe benefit — no monthly premium for workers or retirees.
The more than 320,000 active workers on the State Health Plan would pay from $10.86 or $21.72 per month, depending on which of the two levels of coverage they choose, beginning this July. Retirees who receive the more generous coverage would pay $16.72 or $21.72, depending on whether they’re eligible for Medicare.
