Struthers auditor worried about health-insurance deal

STRUTHERS — A council member’s refusal to provide updated health insurance information or sign a waiver for coverage has hampered the city’s search for the best health-insurance deal, said city Auditor Tina Morell.

Without council member Dan Yemma’s application for updated information for the plan or a waiver, the city isn’t in the best position to negotiate with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, its carrier now, she said. The city’s contract with Anthem expires Dec. 31.

Anthem is proposing a 13 percent rate increase, she said. She said she had been told by the city’s insurance broker that other health insurance companies will only provide an estimated rate, not a binding one, without updated information or waivers from each of the 69 employees and elected officials on the city’s plan.

Without binding rates, Anthem won’t be motivated to negotiate down from the increase, she said.

For the complete story, see Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com