Colorado city relies on self-funded plan to rein in health care costs

Since 2003, employer health care premiums in the U.S. have increased by 80 percent, according to industry estimates. Municipalities, in particular, have experienced a dramatic rise in health costs. In Arvada, Colo., (population 108,530; 1,600 covered employees and dependents), city administrators were struggling with year-over-year health care cost increases of 8 to 10 percent. The city has an older-than-average workforce. Arvada’s total medical claims costs were nearly 23 percent above norm when city officials looked for a solution.