MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Legislature’s budget-writing committee has approved a bill that would give the panel the ability to sign off on changes to the state’s health insurance program. The Group Health Insurance Program covers state and local public employees. A board that includes the governor and attorney general administers the program. Joint Finance Committee leaders have introduced a bill that would give the committee the power to approve or block changes the board proposes. The bill comes after the board dramatically increased employees’ out-of-pocket expenses for 2016. Lawmakers anticipate the board may move next year to a self-insurance model, where the state would pay benefits directly rather than purchasing insurance from HMOs. The committee approved the bill unanimously Thursday, clearing the way for a full vote in either the Assembly or Senate.
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