CalPERS Raises HMO Premiums by 11.4%

The California Public Employees' Retirement System as expected adopted health plans for 2005 that raise health-maintenance-organization premiums 11.4% -- the smallest increase in three years.

Preferred-provider-organization enrollees will see rates increase 6.4%.

For the first time, the pension fund set a range of premiums for members employed by local governments, schools and special districts and their dependents. Rates will be lowest for members in the region that includes Los Angeles County.

Lisa Girion