During the Belknap County Commissioners Meeting on October 6, 2025, significant discussions centered around the county's employee health benefits, led by Dan Cronin, President of CGI Business Solutions. Cronin and his team provided an update on their ongoing efforts to evaluate and potentially renew the county's health insurance plans.

Cronin emphasized the importance of securing competitive rates for the county's health benefits, which currently serve over 90 employees. CGI is conducting a thorough comparison of the HealthTrust plan against other market options, including Anthem and Harvard Pilgrim, to ensure the county receives the best value for its investment. The team is actively negotiating with these providers to obtain the most favorable terms.

A key point raised during the meeting was the distinction between fully insured and self-funded health plans. Cronin explained that while a fully insured plan involves paying a set premium to an insurance carrier, a self-funded plan allows the county to pay for claims directly, potentially leading to cost savings. However, he noted that the county may not be ready to transition to a self-funded model this year due to insufficient claims data.

The CGI team also highlighted their role as a third-party administrator, which includes managing flexible spending programs and providing compliance support. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance the overall employee benefits experience while ensuring that the county remains compliant with relevant regulations.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners were informed that CGI would continue to analyze the health insurance market and present their findings in the coming weeks. This ongoing evaluation is crucial for making informed decisions that will impact the health and financial well-being of county employees. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to providing quality health benefits while being fiscally responsible.