U.Va.’s health premiums less than state’s premiums

The cost of health insurance premiums for U.Va. employees will remain lower than those of the state’s health insurance plan, even if Gov. Mark Warner’s proposed increases pass the General Assembly.

“U.Va. employees are not subject to the state insurance premium increases, since we have our own self-insured health plan,” wrote U.Va. Vice President for Finance Yoke San Reynolds in a memo sent via e-mail Feb. 4 to all employees. Her message accompanied a statewide notice from Sandra D. Bowen, state secretary of administration, that mentioned some of the governor’s budget details, including health insurance.

In Warner’s proposal, the state’s single employee premiums would be $20 per month, compared with U.Va.’s premium of $15 per month; the state’s family monthly premiums would go up to $229, compared with U.Va.’s monthly premium of $196 for families.

U.Va.’s new premium prices began in January, because the self-insured plan is administered on a calendar-year schedule. The state’s plan follows its fiscal year, with increases to take effect July 1.