Mistakenly thinking the Fraternal Order of Police had agreed to improved health-care benefits is likely going to cost the Southwest Mercer County Regional Police Commission some extra money.

In December, the commission switched insurers from Northwest Pennsylvania Cooperation Council, whose rates were jumping from 14.8 percent to 18.5 percent this year, to the Teamsters health-care plan. The Teamsters monthly premium was the same as Northwest's had been, plus its prescription and life insurance coverage was better. The Teamsters plan also offered vision and dental insurance for an additional fee.

According to the FOP's labor contract, the commission pays only the basic hospitalization premium and the FOP pays for any additional coverage.