5 percent increase to take effect Dec. 2
In less than two months, many state government employees' paychecks will shrink to absorb a rate increase in their health insurance premiums. The Advocate reports the 5 percent increase is going into effect Dec. 2 despite opposition from Office of Group Benefits board members.
The Office of Group Benefits provides health and life insurance to about a quarter-million current and retired state employees and their dependents.
The board's chairman, James H. Lee, said he tried to get board members together to voice opposition to the increase, which will be the second in less than a year. He said he could not get the necessary quorum to hold a meeting.