Leavenworth County officials are grappling with rising health insurance costs that could significantly impact employee compensation. During the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) work session on May 15, 2024, discussions centered on the financial implications of increasing insurance premiums, which could lead to effective pay cuts for county employees.

The proposed changes indicate that individual employees could face an additional cost of approximately $150 per month, while those on family plans may see increases exceeding $300 monthly. These adjustments come at a time when no pay raises are being considered, raising concerns about the financial strain on employees amid ongoing inflation.

Commissioners acknowledged that passing on the 2.5% increase in insurance costs without corresponding pay increases would effectively reduce employees' take-home pay. One commissioner emphasized the need for clarity on how to prepare the upcoming budget, urging the board to explore alternative strategies to mitigate these rising costs.

Options discussed included increasing deductibles and making minor adjustments to the insurance plan. Currently, the deductible for individual plans is set to rise from $1,500 to $2,000, while family plans could see their deductibles increase from $2,000 to $4,000. These changes are part of a broader strategy to manage the county's budget while addressing the financial realities faced by employees.

As the county prepares for the upcoming budget cycle, the discussions highlight the urgent need for a balanced approach that considers both the financial sustainability of the county and the well-being of its workforce. The BOCC is expected to continue exploring solutions to ensure that employees are not disproportionately affected by rising healthcare costs.