Skyrocketing health insurance costs for state workers have unions representing those workers calling the group running the insurance plan a “Grinch” this Christmas. Paula Bentley with American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) says the out-of-pocket costs and premium hikes have practically doubled the cost to state workers – forcing many to choose between health care or food. She says she’s not sure where the state will get the money, but Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan officials need to ask for $41-Million now to help defray the costs now being absorbed by state workers. Bentley acknowledges there could be a budget shortfall of $300-Million to $500-Million in this fiscal year, but it’s a matter of making priorities. Health care plan officials says they are asking for more money, but not until next year.
