ACTIVE AND RETIRED WV STATE EMPLOYEES FACING INSURANCE HIKE

(12/17/2009)
Active and retired state workers covered by the Public Employees Insurance Agency will see an average 4 percent in higher monthly premiums after June 2010.

PEIA'S finance board approved the rate increase Wednesday.

The increase is for medical and prescription benefits, citing rapidly rising USA healthcare costs.

The plan includes a $25 increase in the medical deductible for retirees, but not for active employees.

A year ago, the PEIA board approved increases ranging from 9 percent for current state employees.

The increases for non-state agencies like county workers and school employees was 12%.