The Walworth County Human Resources Committee convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss pressing issues regarding the Health Payment System (HPS) and its impact on county employees. A key focus of the meeting was the feedback provided by an employee who expressed significant concerns about the current insurance plan and its administration.

The employee thanked the committee for including HPS on the agenda and acknowledged the HR department for preparing a comprehensive information packet. However, they highlighted discrepancies between the information presented and their personal experiences with HPS. Notably, the employee pointed out that they were unaware of a "bridge plan" mentioned in the packet, which is supposed to assist members who struggle to meet payment obligations. They also shared that nearly half of the members have difficulty making payments within 90 days, reflecting a broader issue of financial strain among county employees.

The employee recounted their own challenges with HPS, including unsuccessful attempts to resolve a collections issue related to medical bills. They criticized the customer service experience, likening it to the difficulties faced when trying to cancel services with a major internet provider. Additionally, they expressed disappointment over a proposed 19% increase in insurance rates and higher deductibles, urging the committee to reconsider the partnership with HPS and OXIANT.

To better understand employee experiences, the speaker suggested conducting a survey among current employees regarding their interactions with HPS. They also advocated for the option to opt out of HPS, allowing employees to access financial programs from other providers directly.

In closing, the employee urged the committee to reconsider any plans to skip wage increases, emphasizing the importance of retaining a compassionate approach to support the workforce that serves the public. The discussions from this meeting highlight ongoing concerns about employee welfare and the need for a thorough review of the current health insurance system in Walworth County.