STATE'S PEIA HOLDERS WON'T HAVE COST CHANGES

(12/08/2012)
State employees, teachers, and other employees insured by the Public Employees Insurance Agency won't pay higher health insurance premiums in 2013.

The relief is due to a $4 million cash infusion from the governor's office, and there won't be any reductions in benefits.

That means the PEIA Finance Board was able to approve a 2013-14 benefit plan this week without a proposed increase in out-of-pocket maximum co-payments for family coverage, and without an increase in co-pays on specialty medications.

Board member Josh Sword, who represents education employees, called the governor's decision "courageous."