County Commission approves $180K increase for employee health insurance costs

In a recent Putnam County Commission meeting, officials discussed significant changes to the county's employee health insurance plan, which could impact many local workers. The proposed adjustments aim to address rising costs while maintaining coverage for employees.

The commission is considering a plan that would absorb a portion of the increased costs associated with certain prescription medications. Currently, 361 employees are affected by these changes, with 316 enrolled in the primary insurance option. The county has approximately 486 full-time employees, meaning over 90% are covered under the insurance plan. This high coverage rate is crucial for employee retention, especially in light of previous years' modest salary increases.

One of the main points of discussion was the increase in out-of-pocket costs for medications, particularly for higher-tier drugs. For example, the cost for tier 4 medications is set to rise from $50 to $90. While most employees use generic drugs, which have a high utilization rate, those on more expensive medications may feel the financial impact more acutely.

The county's current insurance plan features a $500 deductible for individuals and a $1,000 deductible for families, which is considered competitive compared to industry standards. The county pays a significant portion of the premiums, with the county covering $1,116.46 for individual plans and $1,535.25 for family plans. This support is seen as a key factor in attracting and retaining employees.

During the meeting, a motion was made to accept the proposed changes, which would result in an additional $180,000 in costs for the county. This funding would come from general revenues, including sales and property taxes. The commission emphasized the importance of balancing employee needs with the long-term sustainability of the insurance plan.

As the county navigates these changes, officials remain focused on ensuring that employees continue to receive valuable health benefits while managing the financial implications for the county. The discussions reflect a commitment to supporting the workforce while addressing the realities of rising healthcare costs.