Nueces County approves new employee health plan with reduced premiums and added benefits

The Nueces County Commissioner’s Court convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on employee benefits and property management.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing changes to the county's employee health insurance plan. The insurance committee proposed a transition to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas as the new third-party administrator for the self-funded group health plan. This change is expected to maintain current costs while enhancing flexibility in wellness programming. The committee also recommended a new appeals process for grievances and the introduction of out-of-pocket limits, which are currently below the Affordable Care Act requirements.

In addition to health insurance, the court approved a package for dental and vision benefits through Delta Dental and Delta Vision, which includes a 10% reduction in premiums and improved coverage options. Notably, employees who previously opted out of voluntary dental insurance will now be able to enroll without penalties during open enrollment.

The court also discussed the management of county properties, with a focus on evaluating real estate assets. A comprehensive inventory of county properties was presented, revealing discrepancies in ownership records. The court expressed the need to streamline property management and potentially sell underutilized assets to alleviate maintenance burdens and improve the county's financial reserves.

Commissioners emphasized the importance of conducting annual property reviews to ensure efficient management and to consider divesting properties that are not serving a public purpose. The discussion highlighted the need for legal guidance on the sale of county properties to ensure compliance with regulations.

In other matters, the court approved a $10,000 grant from TXU for veterans and social services, reaffirming its commitment to supporting local veterans. Additionally, the court authorized a supplemental agreement for renovations at the Hilltop Community Center, allocating $52,700 for architectural modifications.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's efforts to enhance employee benefits while responsibly managing public assets and resources. The court plans to revisit property evaluations and insurance updates in future meetings to ensure ongoing improvements and transparency.