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Public Employees Insurance Agency Finance Board members approved more than $50 million in 2017-18 plan benefits cuts for state and public school employees, many non-state public employees, and retirees on Thursday.
That includes about $28 million in benefit cuts for state and public school employees, primarily through higher deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, totaling about $19.4 million, and mandatory 90-day fills for prescriptions for maintenance drugs for chronic conditions.
Board members representing public employees were critical of the cuts, coming less than six months after the Legislature approved a $43.5 million increase in employers' PEIA premiums, resulting in a $14 million increase in employee premiums.
"We're talking about real changes to this plan, and it pains me," said Josh Sword. "It's sad we're in this predicament."
He added, "Here we are, less than a year after the legislative leadership said they fixed PEIA, and we're taking $50 million away from participants. It's disgusting."
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