CalPERS considers health benefit cuts

UPI reports the California Public Employees' Retirement System is mulling over a reduction in health benefits which would include restrictions on HMO membership in rural areas of the state.

CalPERS` healthcare purchasing pool also could give members a lower-cost coverage option by adding a third preferred provider organization plan, the Sacramento (Calif.) Business Journal reported Monday.

'The reality is healthcare costs continue to increase and CalPERS members continue to age,' said CalPERS` Terri Westbrook, assistant executive officer of the health benefits branch. 'If we continue with the status quo, our costs will increase.'