Virginia's Local Choice Plan proposes health coverage options and premium adjustments

Amherst County officials are grappling with significant health insurance premium increases, with discussions centered on proposed changes to employee health plans during a recent budget workshop. The Board of Supervisors is considering two alternatives aimed at reducing a staggering 33.5% hike in overall premiums.

The first alternative proposes raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, which could lower the premium increase to 20%. For instance, the individual deductible would rise from $500 to $1,000, while the family deductible would increase from $1,000 to $2,000. Co-pays for primary care visits would also see a jump from $20 to $30, and specialist visits from $40 to $50. These adjustments are designed to help mitigate the financial burden on the county while still providing competitive benefits.

The second alternative offers a more drastic approach, increasing the individual deductible to $1,500 and the family deductible to $3,000, potentially reducing the premium increase to around 15%. However, this option would place a heavier financial load on employees.

County officials are also awaiting a quote from the Local Choice plan, a long-standing health insurance pool in Virginia that could provide additional options. The Local Choice plan is known for its stability and competitive rates, but it comes with specific enrollment rules that could limit flexibility for the county.

As the Board weighs these options, they are keenly aware of the impact on employees. The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing cost management with the need to maintain attractive benefits for county workers. The next steps will involve comparing the proposed alternatives with the forthcoming Local Choice quote, ensuring that the final decision aligns with both fiscal responsibility and employee welfare.