The Cameron County Commissioner’s Court meeting on September 9, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding employee health insurance costs and staffing vacancies. The meeting revealed that 548 out of 1,788 employees have completed the enrollment process for health insurance, leaving 102 general fund positions unfilled. This situation is projected to save the county over $2 million in insurance contributions.

A significant topic was the upcoming stop-loss insurance coverage, which is due for approval at a special meeting on September 30. The county is currently awaiting updated figures from Aetna, the insurance provider, which will be presented at the next meeting on September 23. The lead consultant from Value Risk Consulting, Roger Gossett, highlighted a concerning deficit of approximately $22.8 million, largely driven by the high costs of GLP-1 drugs, which are averaging $1,400 per month per prescription. Nearly 200 employees are currently using these medications, primarily for diabetes management and weight loss.

Gossett noted that the rising costs of these drugs could lead to an annual expenditure of nearly $2.5 billion if not addressed. He mentioned that a new, more expensive oral medication is expected to enter the market soon, further complicating the situation. The court discussed potential strategies to contain these costs, including adjustments to the drug formulary and exploring alternative resources to obtain medications at lower prices.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for the county to manage its health insurance expenses effectively while ensuring that employees have access to necessary medications. The discussions set the stage for future recommendations aimed at controlling rising healthcare costs and improving the county's financial health.