By Kevin Jefferies
Commerce – Commerce City employees will be paying less for health insurance. City officials were able to net over 12% in savings, or about $45,000 annually, by making a switch from United Healthcare to Blue Cross/Blue Shield. The savings included about a 2.5% decrease in premiums, and avoiding a 10% increase if the city stayed with United Healthcare. City Manager Bill Shipp said the plan will save money "for substantially the same benefit."
The Commerce City Council voted 4-1 in favor of the change, with Councilman John Sands voting "no" after expressing concerns that local insurance agents weren't given enough opportunity to present bids.
The new insurance plan will go into effect October 1st for Commerce City employees.