MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – State government employees might have to wait until next year to receive payments for not taking the state’s health insurance.
Governor Scott Walker’s proposed state budget called for a $2,000 annual payment to those opting out of the state’s coverage.
Tuesday night, the Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee voted not to let those who opt out this year get the stipends. Also, employees could not get the payments if their spouse also works for the state.
It’s not known what type of impact the committee’s actions will have. Fiscal experts say the state could save up to $18 million a year or lose $4 million, depending on how many workers accept the state’s offer.
Also, the finance panel referred proposed increases in state employees’ out of pocket health care expenses to another panel.
Earlier Tuesday, the state’s group insurance board endorsed higher deductibles and a doubling of maximum out of pocket expenses. Reports said the new limits were designed to avoid a so-called “Cadillac tax” on higher end health plans to take effect in 2018 under Obamacare.
Also, the finance panel went along with a proposal to stop staffing prison guard towers overnight. The measure would cut 60 jobs, but six positions at Waupun would stay in place until the start of 2017.
(Story courtesy of Wheeler News Service)
