Taxpayers will save $450M in health care

ST. PAUL — State and federal taxpayers will save an estimated $450 million next year on public health plans after seeking statewide competitive bids for the first time.

But the decision will mean turmoil as hundreds of thousands of low-income Minnesotans will have to change health plans, and at least two insurers are suffering devastating customer losses after losing out in the bidding process.

“People in government programs had to find new plans before, but the changes announced (Tuesday) go well beyond the transitions of the last few years,” said Jim Schowalter, president of the Minnesota Council of Health Plans.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/region/3806998-taxpayers-will-save-450m-health-care