State officials have killed plans for big increases in health insurance premiums for retired state employees. The move by the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan comes one day after the group OK’d monthly increases of 30% or more. The plan’s executive director, Ron Meyer, says the group wasn’t pressured to back down. He says plan managers want to pursue more long-term solutions. The previous plan would have increased monthly premiums for retirees up to 42% and increased co-pays for doctors appointments and hospital visits. After Friday’s reversal, seniors will see 2% to 4% increases like the active employees covered under the plan. 9,000 retirees are affected.
