Public servants in the Northern Marianas say they are suffering after insurance premiums more than doubled.
A Republican lawmaker, Edwin Propst, says most government employees in the Commonwealth can no longer afford to pay insurance, after the government insurer, Aetna Global, hiked the rates.
He says his family is currently paying about $400 US dollars every pay period for the high-option plan but when the new rates kick in, they will pay $821 per pay period, or $21,346 per year.
He says they may be forced to take the low-option plan, which costs $485.65 per pay period, or $12,626.90 for the year.
