NC Employee Health Plan Still Has Higher Claims

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The health insurance plan for North Carolina state employees is still paying out more claims than budgeted for the first three months of the fiscal year.

Lawmakers received State Health Plan data Thursday showing paid medical claims are 4 percent higher than expected through Sept. 30. That's better compared to an 8 percent increase through August.

Plan leaders attribute higher payouts to patients going to the doctor before higher payment schedules took effect July 1. Chief financial officer Mona Moon said she's waiting for more figures to determine whether expense levels will come down.

The plan is on track to have $130 million on hand next summer. It was in danger of running out of cash last spring before the Legislature approved a $675 million bailout.