State auditor to check State Health Plan books

The state auditor's office will begin looking into the topsy-turvy finances of the State Health Plan, it said Thursday.

In a statement, the auditor's office said its actions are in response to the $115 million disparity between the finances initially forecast for the plan and its current projections. Lawmakers had expected a $50 million surplus at the State Health Plan, which provides coverage to 650,000 state workers, retirees and family members. But the plan now has a $65 million deficit.

George Stokes, administrator of the plan,lost his jobearlier this month after a state legislative committee that oversees the health plan found out about the discrepancy.

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Auditor Les Merritt says a high number of calls about the State Health Plan have come to his office, which played a role in his decision to start the performance audit. The audit will examine the plan's use of resources and determine whether appropriate results are being achieved.

Any current or former employees with information are encouraged to contact the auditor's tip line at (800) 730-TIPS.