MANITOWOC — In an effort to curb increasing health insurance costs, Manitowoc County might place its employees in the health insurance plan used by state workers.

Manitowoc County executive Bob Ziegelbauer told the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that the county can net "significant savings" by joining the State Group Health Insurance Program. He said the state plan's size gives it purchasing power to bargain lower rates.

The state plan, administered by the state Department of Employee Trust Funds, is targeted for state employees, but home municipalities could purchase into the group.