CalPERS panel OKs new health benefits premiums

Members of the California Public Employees' Retirement System could see increases of 3.7% and 5.3% for health benefits premiums next year if they are covered by Blue Shield, but Kaiser Permanente's increases are expected to be significantly higher, at 8.2%. CalPERS' health committee approved the changes to its 2009 program, which covers 1.2 million members. CalPERS health benefits premium increases are closely watched because the giant state pension fund is considered a bellwether for overall trends in the health insurance market.