Executive Committee advances health-plan Option 1 that removes some out-of-network coverage

The Oneida County Executive Committee on Sept. 9 advanced a proposed 2027 health insurance change that would remove out-of-network coverage from the county's traditional and HSA plans. County staffer Lueneburg described two bid responses: one from Aspirus at a 10.8% premium increase and a county-preferred Option 1 with a 4.7% premium increase that eliminates the out-of-network benefit for the traditional and HSA plans. The committee voted to forward Option 1 to the upcoming budget hearings (motion Cushing/Condado). The roll-call tally recorded 5 Aye, 1 Abstain (Dan Hess) and 1 Absent (Holewinski).

Lueneburg told the committee that the change would primarily affect employees who use out-of-network providers but that keeping premiums lower has helped recruitment. Based on current enrollments staff estimated Option 1 would save the county over $80,000. Committee members asked for clarity on trade-offs between premium levels and employee out-of-pocket costs; Lueneburg noted the county's premiums are comparatively lower while deductibles are "much higher" than neighboring counties, increasing employees' out-of-pocket exposure. The committee did not adopt a final contract; the item will be considered during the budget hearings.