RALEIGH (AP) ó North Carolina state employees could face higher copays and deductibles and increased premiums for family members so their health insurance plan stays afloat.
A Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday that also would give an immediate $250 million cash injection to the plan and $375 million more over the next two years.
State Health Plan chief Jack Walker said his office could run out of money by the end of the month to reimburse hospitals and doctors.
Several committee members complained that a proposed prescription benefit program could hurt independent pharmacies. The plan would require some employees to get their medicines through an in-network pharmacist or by mail order.
The bill will be heard Wednesday by the Senate Appropriations Committee.