11-18-15 health insurance oversight

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A consulting firm says the state should phase in a self-insurance model for health care for public workers.  Segal Consulting presented a report to the state Group Insurance Board on Tuesday saying moving to a self-insurance model would save the state about $42 million annually. The report noted switching to self-insurance would improve transparency and flexibility in benefit design. The report added that a vast majority of other states use a self-insurance model.  The report recommends phasing in self-insurance beginning in 2016 in preparation for 2017 plan renewals.  Under the self-insurance model, the state would pay benefits directly instead of buying insurance from 18 HMOs.  The Legislature has passed a bill that would give the Joint Finance Committee the final say on any contract moving Wisconsin into such a model.