Gov. Bev Perdue Thursday signed Senate Bill 287 to stabilize the North Carolina State Health Plan that covers 667,000 state employees, retirees and teachers.

“By no means is this legislation ideal, however it is a necessary short-term step that will make sure North Carolina’s state employees, retirees and teachers continue receiving the health care they need,” said Perdue.  “This cannot be permanent policy.  The General Assembly must continue working on a long-term solution.”

The Legislature gave its final approval to a bailout Wednesday.

The health plan would receive $675 million from operating revenues and highway funds through mid-2011.

The plan's  members would face higher deductibles and copays, and dependent coverage premiums would go up by 8.9 percent annually. Benefits would decrease for people who smoke or considered significantly obese.

Health plan officials said if additional funding didn't come this week, there would be dramatic payment delays to doctors.