AP: State may charge for health care

Norma Love of the Associated Press reports on one way state budget writers are looking to reduce costs; requiring health care copayments from retired state workers younger than 65:

State government retirees younger than 65 would start paying for their health insurance if legislators approve the plan Friday.

The 2,400 such retirees do not pay a premium now but would start paying $100 a month for themselves and $100 for their spouses on July 1 if the Legislative Fiscal Committee approves.

The committee also will consider aligning health coverage for 10,000 retirees and their spouses with the plan for active employees to save money. The proposal also would change the prescription drug benefit.

All retired employees except those under the state troopers' health plan would be affected.