The Clay County Board of County Commissioners convened on April 23, 2024, to address the pressing issue of rising healthcare costs, a topic that has become increasingly critical for both current employees and retirees. The meeting, which featured a workshop format, aimed to explore potential strategies for managing these expenses effectively.

Jessica Layton, the director of personnel, opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of reviewing healthcare benefits at a high level. She introduced the Bailey Group, the county's benefits broker, to provide insights into current strategies and future recommendations. Layton highlighted the need for a comprehensive understanding of the county's healthcare priorities and the financial implications of various options.

Travis Bailey, representing the Bailey Group, shared his enthusiasm for collaborating with Clay County and outlined the firm’s extensive experience in managing health benefits for local governments. He noted that the Bailey Group services around 300 local clients, which includes numerous municipalities and school districts in the region.

A significant point of discussion was the current premium structure for healthcare plans, which will be reviewed for the 2025 claim year. The county has absorbed recent actuarial increases, preventing these costs from being passed on to employees. However, Bailey suggested that the county consider introducing additional tier levels for premiums to better accommodate the diverse needs of employees, particularly as younger workers with families join the workforce.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further analyze the financial data and explore potential adjustments to the healthcare plan structure. The commissioners acknowledged the importance of these discussions, as they directly impact the well-being of county employees and retirees. Future meetings will be scheduled to continue this critical dialogue and develop actionable strategies moving forward.