2-17-12, LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska says it will challenge the state's decision to switch health benefit plans.
    
Company spokesman Brian Pickering said Thursday that the state's announced move to United Health Care was based on incomplete information.
    
Nebraska officials have said the move will save taxpayers and state employees a combined $8 million annually. Pickering said the change will actually cost an additional $10 million per year, due to limits in the United Health Care network.
    
Department of Administrative Services director Carlos Castillo says the company is allowed to file a formal protest. But he says state officials are confident in the procurement process that was used.
    
Nebraska has been a Blue Cross/Blue Shield client for at least 30 years.