9-19-13

Governor Bullock announced today that due to recent cost containment measures for the State’s employee health care plan and an increase in the state share, employees’ cost for health care will decrease in January 2014. 

 “Efficiency in government has been a top priority for my administration,” said Governor Bullock.  “By seeking innovative solutions to address rising health care costs for state employees, we’ve been able to contain these costs and put more money in the pockets of our employees. This is money that they’ll be able to spend supporting Main Street businesses in their community.”
 
The State attributes the savings to lower-than-average cost increases over the past two years, due in part to the new Montana employee health centers in Helena, Billings, and soon Miles City.  In addition, the state plan has seen reduced costs by emphasizing wellness and health. 

 
State employees who select the most cost-effective health plans for 2014 and fully participate in the wellness programs may see their health care costs reduce even further. The 2014 employee health care plan includes discounts for employees not using tobacco and participating in wellness screenings.
 
The State of Montana Employee Health Plan provides medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision coverage to 33,500 Montana citizens who are State employees, retirees, legislators, and their dependents. 
 
The Legislature approves the portion of the health care costs paid by the State on behalf of its employees (known as the state share), while employees pick up the remainder themselves.

Because of these cost containment measures and the Legislature’s increase in the state share, state employees will see an average 2 percent increase in take-home pay in 2014.