(RALEIGH) -- State Senate lawmakers tentatively approved legislation that would help close a $515 million operating gap in the State Health Plan over the next two years.  The bill would require state employees to pay a health insurance premium for the first time ever. Co-pays and deductibles would also go up.

Republican Sen. Tom Apodaca said he understands state employees’ concerns about having to pay premiums but most of the burden would still fall on the state. "The taxpayers of North Carolina are already putting $1.6 billion in this plan for our workers and teachers, so it's not like we're turning a blind eye to our employees and teachers," said Apodaca.

Democratic Sen. Doug Berger said state employees are already struggling because of several years without a pay increase. "The effect of this premium is essentially to force a pay cut on teachers and state employees," said Berger.

The Senate voted 30 to 17 in favor of the proposal. A final vote is scheduled for Monday.