The Grand County Board of County Commissioners made significant strides in employee health benefits during their meeting on September 24, 2025, with a proposed 12.1% increase in the medical budget. This decision comes as part of a comprehensive review of insurance benefits, aimed at enhancing coverage for county employees.

The proposed changes include adjustments to the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan and the high deductible health plan. Notably, the high deductible plan will see an increase in deductibles—$350 for single coverage and $700 for family coverage. Additionally, the current Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan will be removed, streamlining options for employees.

In a move to support employees opting for the high deductible plan, the county plans to increase Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions to $900 for single coverage and $1,800 for family coverage, marking a $50 and $100 increase, respectively. These adjustments align with the overall budget increase and aim to provide better financial support for employees.

The dental program will also see a 3.7% funding increase, with recommended hikes in employee contributions—$1 for individual coverage and $2 for family coverage.

Moreover, the meeting introduced a noteworthy update regarding the dependent care flex spending account. The annual contribution limit is set to rise from $5,000 to $7,500 for 2026, a change that reflects the rising costs of dependent care, which have remained stagnant since the 1980s.

These proposed changes are expected to be voted on at the next meeting, with the board emphasizing the importance of adapting benefits to meet the evolving needs of county employees. The adjustments signal a commitment to enhancing employee welfare and addressing the financial challenges associated with healthcare and dependent care.