DISCOUNT insurance.

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Author: P. M. E.

P.M.E.

Costco, purveyor of impulse items at discount prices, now carries something else you cannot do without: health insurance. Its individual and family policies, underwritten by PacifiCare, are currently available only to Costco's Executive members (who pay dues of $100 a year versus the standard $45) in Los Angeles and Orange counties in California. Costco plans to expand the service to the rest of the state and possibly to other metropolitan areas. Because of the retail giant's marketing and administrative savings, Costco claims its premiums are 5% to 20% lower than competitors. Plus, you don't have to buy by the case.

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