The Whatcom Transportation Authority will pursue changes to employee health benefits as the agency tries to keep its insurance program solvent.

The Board of Directors voted 7-0 on Thursday, Oct. 18, to apply for membership in the Association of Washington Cities, through sponsorship by the Bellingham City Council. Board members Paul Greenough of Blaine and Jack Weiss of Bellingham were absent.

If accepted, WTA would enroll in the association's dental benefits in January 2013. WTA and its employees union also would consider the much bigger move from the agency's self-run medical insurance to the association's medical insurance pool.

WTA officials say joining the pool should save the agency money.

Due to unusually high claims this year, WTA insurance costs are predicted to go up 20 percent in 2013. The program could become prohibitively expensive in April 2013, according to staff.

Reach RALPH SCHWARTZ at ralph.schwartz@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2266.