EAST CHICAGO | City employees won't see any increase in the cost of their health care for at least a year.

The Board of Public Works and Safety has approved the plan from Minneapolis-based United Healthcare Group to hold premiums for the next 12 months at 2008 rates.

United Healthcare provides coverage for about 100 city employees who chose a health maintenance organization plan for medical needs.

The roughly 500 employees who opted for preferred provider organization coverage handled by Professional Claims Management of Gary also will see no change in their premiums.

City Controller Charles Pacurar said his office sought a single provider for both HMO and PPO plans, but couldn't find one, so the city is continuing with the same insurance for next year.

Last year, the cost of HMO coverage increased by 17 percent to $401 a month, with significant increases in co-payment charges, a jump that prompted some 90 employees to change to a PPO plan, Pacurar said.