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Buncombe County projects 2026 health plan cost rise of about $1.7 million; no premium increase for employees
Summary
County consultants told commissioners Thursday the self-funded medical plan ran below budget year-to-date and that county-funded increases for 2026 will absorb an estimated 5% rise (about $1.7 million) so employees will not see higher premiums; several plan design and benefit changes were outlined for next year.
Larry Reese of USI Insurance Services told the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners the county's self-funded medical and pharmacy program is "about 9% favorable to budget, almost $2,000,000" through the first seven or eight months of the plan year.
The presentation, delivered by Larry Reese and Roberta Ferdinand of USI, provided a year-to-date account of claims, described utilization drivers and wellness programs the county uses to control cost, and previewed the program's 2026 forecast and modest plan design changes.
Reese said the county has roughly 1,800 covered employees and their dependents and noted 19 large claimants (claims of $125,000 or more through the period reviewed), with four claims that have exceeded the plan's reinsurance attachment point of…
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