Source: The Cap Times <\/p>\n
The state's health care program for public employees could face changes, pending the results of a study conducted by an Atlanta-based consultant. <\/p>\n
Gov. Scott Walker's administration has contracted with the Segal Co. to study potential cost-cutting changes to the state's health insurance plans, including moving to a self-insured coverage program, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Wednesday. <\/p>\n
That news came the same day the conservative MacIver Institute and National Center for Policy Analysis presented a report calling for changes to the state's health care benefit program for public retirees, based on the strengths of the state's pension fund. <\/p>\n
The think tanks offered recommendations for both the pension system and the state's post-employment health benefit program. Their health coverage recommendations included higher premiums for retirees, closing the current program to future employees and those below age 45 and shifting those employees to a pre-funded plan, particularly one with a health savings account. <\/p>\n
Asked about the MacIver and NCPA suggestions, Walker spokeswoman Laurel Patrick said in an email that the governor's priority is to continue to provide high-quality benefits at a good value to both current and retired state employees. <\/p>\n
\"According to PEW, Wisconsin is the only state in the nation with a fully funded pension system and the only state rated a solid performer in both pension and OPEB liabilities that include retiree health insurance,\" Patrick said. \"Governor Walker will continue to look at ways to control costs and provide quality care.\" <\/p>\n
The Segal study will explore several potential changes with the goal of saving taxpayers money on health coverage for state employees. One such change a shift away from private health maintenance organizations was floated by Walker last year, but no decision was reached. <\/p>\n
Under the current model, state employees choose between private HMOs, which forces competition in the marketplace. Under a self-insured model, the state would pay benefits directly and assume the risk for losses rather than paying premiums to HMOs. <\/p>\n
The study will take a broader focus than assessing the move to self-insurance, unlike two previous studies conducted by the consulting firm Deloitte. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
See the original post here: <\/p>\n
Media Contact<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Source: The Cap Times The state's health care program for public employees could face changes, pending the results of a study conducted by an Atlanta-based consultant. Gov. Scott Walker's administration has contracted with the Segal Co. Continue reading