(RALEIGH) -- A bill that would overhaul the health insurance program for state employees, teachers and retirees is headed to Gov. Beverly Perdue’s desk.  Senate lawmakers voted 31 to 18 in favor of minor changes the House made last week.

The measure would charge state employees monthly premiums for the first time ever. Plan members would also pay more for dependent coverage and other out-of-pocket expenses.  In addition, the legislation would scrap a wellness initiative aimed at getting state employees to stop smoking or lose weight.

The governor has not indicated whether she will ultimately go along with the proposal, although it is clear she is on the same page with lawmakers when it comes to changes in plan oversight. "I very much agree with the movement to the Treasurer's Office of the plan and later on maybe to somewhere else, but I do think that consolidation is important," said Perdue.

Supporters say the changes are needed to keep the insurance program financially stable. The plan needs an additional $515 million to keep operating over the next two years.