Peru considers health insurance change

Changing health insurance providers could leave you searching for a new doctor or with less coverage.  People who work for the City of Peru are insured through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois but with rates expected to rise by more than eight percent at the start of the year, a different provider is being considered.

Alderman Dave Potthoff says a plan through United Health Care River Valley would cost $941,000 next year, much less than renewing with Blue Cross Blue Shield which would cost $994,000.  He explained it to the city council Wednesday night.

He says a change in plans would mean some employees would have to change doctors.  He also says the less expensive plan doesn’t consider O.S.F. to be in-network.

66 employees have health insurance through the city.  They pay 10% of the premium.  The council will take a closer look at the policies at Monday’s meeting.