Panel delays Iowa health insurance change

Iowa leaders have delayed action on a proposal endorsed by Gov. Chet Culver that would give state employees fewer health insurance plan choices in 2009. Under the plan, state employees would no longer be able to choose health insurance plans currently offered by United HealthCare. They would instead have to choose among packages offered by Wellmark. Culver's staff argues it would save millions of dollars for taxpayers and state workers. But there are concerns that eliminating United could eliminate competition and eventually drive costs higher.