Published Monday, October 08, 2012

City of Columbus considering health clinic for employees

COLUMBUS, Ga. (AP) – The city of Columbus is considering whether to open a medical clinic for city employees and their families as a way to save money.

Mayor Teresa Tomlinson says she doesn't want the city to continue to be a victim of rising health costs. So City Council members will be asked to approve opening a municipal health clinic during a meeting on Tuesday.

The city now pays about $24 million annually for health care, or about $8,000 per employee. The city pays medical claims itself, but the plan is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Tomlinson tells the Ledger-Enquirer a municipal clinic could help reduce the city's costs.

Columbus officials reviewing the idea say they've visited similar operations in cities including Montgomery, Ala.

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