The Harrison County Commissioners Court convened on November 5, 2024, to discuss critical updates regarding health insurance and drug management strategies for county employees. The meeting focused on the renewal of health coverage and strategies to manage rising drug costs.

The first significant agenda item was the recommendation for health insurance renewal. The court discussed a proposed renewal option, referred to as Renewal B, which would result in a 2.4% increase in costs. This increase is attributed to enhanced coverage, with no specific individuals being singled out for higher premiums. The court noted that current claims are running at 76% of expected levels, indicating a favorable position for the county's health plan.

A key discussion point was the rising costs associated with specialty drug utilization, which has increased by approximately $200,000 over the past two years. The court acknowledged that this trend is not unique to Harrison County but emphasized the need for more stringent management of drug spending. The recommendation included moving from a lenient drug management plan to a more structured approach, labeled as Level 2, which is expected to save the county an estimated $311,000 in the upcoming plan year.

The proposed changes to the drug management plan involve three main strategies: implementing prior authorization requirements, introducing step therapy, and enforcing drug quantity management. Prior authorization would require members to confirm the necessity of their medications annually, while step therapy would encourage the use of less expensive, equivalent medications before moving to pricier options. Drug quantity management aims to limit the amount of medication prescribed to what is necessary, reducing waste and costs.

The court anticipates that these changes may impact approximately 50 to 60 members, but they believe the potential savings justify the adjustments. The implementation of these strategies will be communicated to affected members through outreach efforts by the county's health plan administrators.

In conclusion, the Harrison County Commissioners Court's meeting highlighted proactive measures to manage health insurance costs and drug expenditures effectively. The court's commitment to maintaining a sustainable health plan while ensuring member access to necessary medications reflects a balanced approach to fiscal responsibility and employee welfare. Further evaluations will be conducted in the following year to assess the effectiveness of these changes and explore additional cost-saving measures.