State workers face health insurance rate increase

HELENA, Mont. -

The health insurance plan for state employees and retirees is expected to lose $14 million this year, leading to increases in premiums, co-pays and deductibles in 2015.Lee Newspapers of Montana reports the Health Care and Benefits Division informed an employee advisory council of the proposed changes on Monday.State Budget Director Dan Villa says the administration knew 2014 would be a loss year because it held rates down and used plan reserves to cover rising costs.State employees who only insure themselves shouldn't have to pay more because the state is increasing its contribution to cover the costs of medical and dental premiums.Rates for a couple would increase from $926 to $1,070 a month, with the state paying $845. A single retiree would see health insurance rates rise from $734 to $931 a month.