House adopts Health Plan bill

bniolet — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:51:48 -0400

The House approved the State Health Plan bill.

Members voted 60 to 56 in favor of the bill. House Republicans objected to the final version.

Members cited the increased cost to state employees and the removal of a provision that would convert the plan to a calendar year.

"The only thing the House could have been proud of and stood up for is converting the plan to a calendar year," said Rep. Dale Folwell, a Winston-Salem Republican.

Converting the plan's calendar would put it in line with most other health plans and allow families to better plan for health care costs.

But the conversion would cost the state an additional $60 million over two years. It would cost employees an additional rate increase.

Rep. Hugh Holliman, the bill's primary sponsor and House Democratic leader said the compromise bill was meant to be a short-term fix that will help the struggling plan stay solvent while officials consider a long-term fix.

"I think this is a fair compromise," Holliman said.

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House adopts Health Plan bill