DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -
A new study says Iowa could save nearly $116.3 million a year if it were to overhaul state worker benefits.
The study was conducted by a consulting firm, Aon Hewitt, for Iowa's Department of Administrative Services. In the study report released Monday, Aon Hewitt suggests that Iowa change its benefits along the lines of businesses and other states selected for comparison.
The study 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.