Posted at: 09/25/2012 7:22 AM

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Study Says Iowa Could Save Millions On Benefits

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - A new report says Iowa could save nearly $116.3 million a year if it overhauled state worker benefits.
    
The report by a consulting firm, Aon Hewitt, was released Monday. It suggests that Iowa change its benefits along the lines of businesses and other states selected for comparison.
    
The report conclusions include a suggestion that 29,000 state employees pay higher deductibles and 20 percent of their health care premiums.
    
State employee union leader Danny Homan says comparison states and businesses were purposely selective and the data skewed to benefit Gov. Terry Branstad's administration just before union contract negotiations begin.
    
Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht says the study is not a bargaining ploy.

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