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DOVER, Del. (AP) — An employee benefits panel will vote later this month on proposals aimed at closing an estimated $60 million deficit in Delaware's state health insurance plan.
The panel met Friday but didn't vote on any of the proposals, which include new or higher deductibles, and higher copays for drugs, lab tests, outpatient surgeries and hospital stays.
Officials are even considering eliminating coverage for erectile dysfunction pills, which are used by more than 3,400 state employees and retirees.
State taxpayers cover 91 percent of the annual premiums for government workers and retirees.
But the system is being squeezed by several factors, including more utilization, higher medical and drug claims — including recent spikes in maternity cases and expensive hospital stays — and more adult dependents enrolling on their parents' state plans.
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