HEALTH

Medical Cooperative Reports Cut in Premiums: The Health Insurance Plan of California, the statewide medical coverage purchasing cooperative for small businesses, has negotiated an average reduction of 5% in premiums with more than 20 health maintenance organizations. The premium reductions, effective July 1, will affect about 4,500 businesses that together employ about 85,000 people. The program enables businesses with between three and 50 employees to benefit from the greater purchasing clout of the state by negotiating rates with HMOs and other insurers. The agency also said it has added four new carriers, including Blue Shield of California, bringing to 25 the number of health plans it offers.