DOVER, Del. (AP) - Bowing to pressure from Democratic lawmakers, Gov. Jack Markell's administration has agreed to delay proposed health care cost increases for state government workers and retirees.
A state panel was set to vote Friday on proposals for new or higher deductibles, and higher copays for drugs, lab tests, outpatient surgeries and hospital stays, aimed at addressing an estimated $60 million deficit in Delaware's state health insurance plan.
But lawmakers said Thursday that they had reached an agreement with Markell to delay the increases while the $60 million shortfall is reviewed.
Lawmakers say there will be no deductible or co-pay increases, but that state employees will see unavoidable premium increases, which nevertheless are lower than those initially proposed.
State taxpayers cover 91 percent of the annual premiums for government workers and retirees.
