Nev. Health Premiums to Increase for Some Married Workers; Decreases for Others

Approximately 2,000 married Nevada State workers will see their health insurance premiums take a hike by nine percent in January, according to an Associated Press report.

Some 3,000 State employees however, whose policies cover their children, will see their premiums fall by 7 percent; and premiums for retirees will decline from 10 to 20 percent.

The recent special session of the Legislature allocated $18 million to keep the system solvent. Without the emergency funds, rates would have jumped dramatically, with the possibility of benefit cuts.

The state covers the full cost of the monthly premium for a worker, who must in turn pick up the cost for dependents. For an employee who covers a spouse, the new rate will be $147.

The approximately 3,000 workers whose policies cover their children will receive a 7 percent decrease, to $112. And the 2,300 employees who have family coverage will remain the same at $256.

Premiums for some 1,300 retired state workers will drop 21 percent to $104; and rates for 400 retirees with a spouse will decline 10 percent to $406.