By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The structure of the state's health insurance program for state workers and education employees has changed. Governor Bob Riley signed five bills Thursday that give additional authority to two boards that oversee the health insurance plans for Alabama's public employees. That authority also includes the power to raise rates. The bills require workers who use tobacco products to pay even more for their coverage. The changes also will affect state workers who retire after September 30th of next year. They will pay more for their coverage if they have less than 25 years of state service.