County workers to pay more for health benefits

MERCER, Pa. -- Most county employees will be paying a heftier share of their medical benefit costs because of action expected by the Mercer County Salary Board today.
The salary board meeting follows the regular meeting of Mercer County commissioners. The expected action will increase an office visit co-pay from $10 to $20, prescription co-pays from $5/$10 to $10/$20, and emergency room visits from $20 to $50 unless admitted.
Bill Boyle, county director of administrative services, said the increased co-pays will reduce the percentage employees contribute to the overall cost of the insurance, amounting to a savings of $3 to $8 each payday.
The changes will be effective retroactive to Jan. 1 and include all the employee unions which have signed contracts for 2006 as well as nonunion employees.
The change will save the county $100,000 annually for those covered by the action, which includes 81 union employees and about 120 nonunion, Boyle said.
Not affected by the agreement are 56 jail guards and 11 deputies who have been working without a contract since Jan. 1, 2005, and continue negotiating with the county.
The plan continues to be through Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield with Crown Benefit Administrators as the broker.