| State workers gain with benefits changes
State workers will see several changes in their health benefits this year but, unlike some previous years, program director Leslie Johnstone said most will like the changes.
The biggest change by the Public Employee Benefits Program will be in handling claims by retirees who also qualify for Medicare. The state has been following the "integration method" of coordinating benefits, which means the state plan reimburses 80 percent of what Medicare doesn't pay.
On major medical claims, that can leave the insured with a substantial bill.
Johnstone said this year, PEBP will change to what is called the "standard method."
"That means the plan will pay substantially everything Medicare does not after the retiree has met their deductible," she said.
Ex-GOP senator challenges legislator's ethics
Former state Sen. Fern Shubert has filed what might be the first complaint against a lawmaker since a new ethics law took effect Jan. 1, accusing Rep. Pryor Gibson of falsely claiming that a local bill he filed was noncontroversial and had the support of his colleagues.Last year, Gibson filed a bill that would have given the Union County city of Monroe the right to delay a referendum on adding a tax on prepared food and beverages. The bill also would have granted two other Union County towns extraterritorial jurisdiction up to a mile beyond their borders.Because 2006 was a short session, the House and Senate rules did not allow such local bills to be filed unless there was no opposition. Gibson, an Anson County Democrat who represents part of Union County, filed a signed statement that in part says, "The bill is approved for introduction by each member of the House of Representatives and Senate whose district includes the area to which the bill applies."But after Gibson filed it, two Republican lawmakers whose districts cover all or parts of Monroe said Gibson had not informed them of his bill.
Oysters for Valentine's
Are you a true oyster lover? Or, do you love an oyster lover and need one of the best Valentine's gifts around? How about a Valentine's oyster package delivered to your door? You get five kinds of oysters, all true native oysters of the Pacific Coast. The Olympia, Pacific, Virginica, the super-delicious tiny Kumamoto and the European Flat. Your package comes complete with an oyster knife, shucking instructions and "The Art of Eating an Oyster" guide. Also includes a certificate guaranteeing success in "LOVE." Watch out! Sounds like there's going to be a hot time in the old town tonight. Packages start at $29. Call (360) 432-3300 for complete information or go to www.taylorshellfish.com. Orders received by Feb. 12 will be delivered by Valentine's Day. Q: My daughter brought home a menu from a fancy Southern California restaurant that included a "Peekytoe crab" salad.
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