City of Industry pays ‘astronomical’ costs for employee health insurance

The Los Angeles News Group published a report on our data revealing astronomical levels of health costs for city workers:

In 2014, the city paid $57,773 — $4,800 a month — for health, vision and dental insurance for a dozen employees each, according to data provided by Transparent California, which compiles information on public employee compensation.

“It’s astronomical,” said Robert Fellner, research director for Transparent California. “This is definitely top of the mountain, so to speak.”

Read the full report here.

Update: The following year costs increased to nearly $70,000 per employee, prompting the city to finally switch plans, which is expected to somehow actually increase coverage while reducing costs by roughly 65%.

The Los Angeles News Group wrote an editorial on the subject, which can be read here.