NYC Public Employee Plan Looking To Make Big Plan Design Changes

Bloomberg News reports that New York City is seeking a new carrier for its $6 billion public employee health-insurance plan that would require workers to pay premiums for the first time, with discounts for participating in wellness programs. The proposal, which requires approval by unions, would save the city about $400 million a year. The city wants to change a health-insurance program in which 95 percent don’t pay premiums, and replace it with a system where workers who agree to participate in preventive health measures -- such as not smoking, exercising and getting yearly medical examinations -- pay either no premium or a minimal amount. About 200,000 retirees covered under New York City’s plan would also have to pay premiums.