Hospice of Wichita Falls reduces employee health plan costs to improve access

The Wichita County Commissioner’s Court convened on April 15, 2025, to discuss various agenda items, with a significant focus on employee health care benefits. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by local non-profit organizations regarding health insurance costs and the impact on employee well-being.

A representative from Hospice of Wichita Falls presented a case study illustrating the financial strain of high health care premiums and deductibles on employees. The organization previously faced a monthly premium of $900 per employee, coupled with a $6,000 deductible and no co-pay options for prescriptions. This situation created dissatisfaction among employees, who found the plan unaffordable and burdensome.

The representative detailed a successful intervention that reduced the premium to $450 per month and lowered the deductible to $1,200, while introducing co-pay options for physician visits at no cost. This restructuring aimed to alleviate financial barriers to care, emphasizing the importance of accessible health care for employees and their dependents. The representative noted that many employees could not afford to include their dependents in the health plan due to high costs, leading to fragmented coverage.

The discussion underscored the broader implications of health care costs on workforce stability and productivity. The representative argued that high deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses could deter employees from seeking necessary medical care, potentially leading to more severe health issues and increased costs for emergency services.

The meeting concluded with a call for strategic solutions to enhance health care affordability and accessibility for employees, aiming to foster a healthier workforce and reduce overall health care expenditures for local organizations. The court plans to explore options for a Request for Proposal (RFP) that would address these challenges and promote better health outcomes for the community.