The Westchester County Legislature's newly formed Special Committee on Health Insurance Savings has come up with an idea that could save the County and its employees thousands of dollars. 

The committee was formed several weeks ago after County Executive Rob Astorino called for non union workers to contribute 15% to their healthcare costs.  Republican legislator John Testa of Peekskill says this week's meeting was an enlightening one. He says he and other lawmakers were surprised to learn that the current healthcare contract for non-union County employees did not go out to bid, suggesting that by doing so moving forward, cost savings might likely be realized.

The county signed a two year deal with Pomco Group for health insurance in December. Testa says the County isn't locked into that plan if they manage to discover a less expensive deal. He says the County simply needs to give Pomco 60 days notice if it locates a plan that offers significant cost savings.

Board Vice-Chairman Lyndon Williams says the panel next needs to meet with industry experts to develop a health benefit plan that works best for Westchester County.