LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) _ The state of Nebraska is switching health
care providers, in a move that will save an estimated $8 million a
year.

     Department of Administrative Services Director Carlos Castillo
said Wednesday that the change to United Health Care was based on
the expected yearly savings for the state and its employees.
Nebraska has been a Blue Cross/Blue Shield client for at least 25
years.

     Castillo says United Health Care has established a large network
in Nebraska, similar to Blue Cross/Blue Shield, so the vast
majority of employees will see no disruption in their services. He
says it's too soon to know the exact savings for employees.

     The plans cover approximately 30,000 state employees and
dependents. The new agreement will take effect July 1, once the
contract is finalized.