City Sees Health Insurance Savings

BOONE, Iowa---Boone Mayor John Slight says he thought the numbers would be good, but he thinks the savings on health insurance the past year is a tribute to the staff and the city council, looking for alternatives and working together.  Last year the city joined the Iowa Public Employers Pool, established by United Health.  Slight says estimates called for a $253,000 savings with 25% usage.  For the first 7 months of the year, usage has been at 10% and is projected to be lower than the norm of 18%.  The new estimated savings will be more than $260,000 and could be even higher.  Insurance costs have been a concern.  Historically the premium cost was a quarter of every tax dollar received.  That has now dropped to 20%.