Ga. workers' medical fund running short

ATLANTA - The fund that pays health insurance claims for state workers is running short of money.<br /> <br /> Lisa Marie Shekell, spokeswoman for the state Department of Community Health, says the state Health Benefit Plan's surplus of more than $472 million has been sharply reduced by budget cuts and work force reductions.<br /> <br /> The department's interim chief financial officer, Scott Frederking, says the fund could be broke by next spring unless action is taken.<br /> <br /> State officials plan to raise the health insurance premiums of workers and retirees by about 10 percent in January.<br /> <br /> The Legislature recently approved a $33 million shift in state money to the fund, and the state health agency is applying for a $100 million federal grant.

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