County approves current health plan with mandatory annual physicals for employees and spouses

The Cooke County Special Commissioners Court convened on July 10, 2025, to discuss important updates regarding employee health benefits, a topic that directly impacts the well-being of county employees and their families.

During the meeting, the court deliberated on the renewal of health benefits for the upcoming fiscal year, noting a significant increase in costs—10.7% for health plans and 9.6% for dental coverage. Despite these increases, the court opted to maintain the current health plan while implementing new requirements aimed at promoting employee health.

Commissioner Snuggs proposed a motion to keep the existing health benefits but with a stipulation that employees and their spouses must undergo annual physicals. This initiative is designed to help manage costs by incentivizing healthier lifestyles among employees. If both the employee and their spouse complete the physical, the county will fund $2,000 towards their health reimbursement account (HRA); otherwise, the funding will be limited to $1,700.

Additionally, the court discussed changes to pharmacy benefits, noting that employees would face higher costs if they choose to use CVS Pharmacy due to its higher pricing compared to local pharmacies. This change encourages employees to consider more cost-effective options for their prescriptions.

The court also highlighted the importance of employee engagement in health programs, suggesting that future initiatives could include contests and wellness programs to further promote health and potentially lower insurance costs in the long run.

In conclusion, the decisions made during this meeting reflect a commitment to balancing employee health needs with fiscal responsibility. The court's actions aim to foster a healthier workforce while managing the rising costs of health benefits, ultimately benefiting both employees and the county's budget.