COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - South Carolina's
insurance plan for public employees expects to spend about $70 million
to provide the preventive services that federal health care law requires
insurance plans offer at no out-of-pocket cost to workers.
The director of the
employees' insurance program said Thursday that state experts estimate
the required services will cost between $65 million and $75 million to
provide. Stephen Van Camp says that will likely start in 2014.
The health care law passed
by Congress requires insurance plans provide without co-payments
services that include screenings for various health problems,
immunizations and supplements. The idea is that such services reduce
long-term health care costs. Van Camp says when and whether the savings
would be realized is unknown.
He says the upfront cost will require either increased premiums or benefit changes.
