Comment on Health insurance bills for Iowa state employees rise

DES MOINES — State employees who enroll in the government’s 2020 health insurance plan will pay slightly higher monthly premiums under either the Iowa-based or national provider networks included in a recommendation approved Monday by the Iowa Executive Council.The renewed 2020 health contract with Wellmark Blue Cross-Blue Shield calls for a 2.5 percent increase in rates, said Jessica Lingo of the state Department of Administrative Services, but that includes a 1 percent hike for state employees covered by dental plans calling for 50-50 cost shares for implants.