Suffolk: Pay Up for Health

The Suffolk County, N.Y., Legislature on Tuesday voted to have employees pay for part of the cost of their health insurance for the first time in the Long Island county’s history.

The vote will save Suffolk County taxpayers $1.4 million through 2013 and would save $32 million over that time period if adopted county-wide, according to a statement.

“For most residents of Suffolk County, paying into your health care is not a sacrifice, it is a fact of life. As we work to close the deficit and avoid additional layoffs, this new policy will make a major difference,” said County Executive Steve Bellone.

Suffolk, which is currently in a state of fiscal emergency, ended 2011 with a $60 million deficit, and 2012 so far has a deficit of $100 million.

Next year has a projected gap of $300 million.

In total, health insurance costs Suffolk County $300 million per year, including coverage of active and retired employees.

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Healthcare industry New York
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