During the recent Human Resources Committee meeting held on September 29, 2025, in Douglas County, Nebraska, members discussed significant trends in medical insurance premiums for county employees. The conversation highlighted the fluctuations in premium rates over the past several years, emphasizing the importance of understanding these changes in the context of employee benefits.

The committee noted that last year was an exception, with no increase in medical premiums, a rarity in recent history. In previous years, increases had been substantial, with rates rising by 12% and 8.5% in the years prior. This year, the proposed increase stands at 7.1%, which, while high, is considered manageable compared to historical trends. Committee members expressed a desire to subsidize these costs for employees but acknowledged current budget constraints.

The discussion underscored the county's efforts to maintain stable health insurance costs for its workforce, with past years showing a tendency to subsidize increases more often than not. The committee recognized the need for clear communication regarding these trends, suggesting that visual aids, such as graphs, could help illustrate the changes in premiums over the last three to five years.

As the meeting progressed, members reflected on the balance between providing competitive employee benefits and managing the county's financial resources. The insights shared during this meeting will likely inform future decisions regarding employee health benefits and budget allocations.

In conclusion, the Human Resources Committee's discussions on medical insurance premiums reveal a commitment to transparency and employee welfare, even amid financial challenges. The anticipated next steps include further analysis of premium trends and potential strategies for managing future increases while supporting county employees.