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County updates 2026 employee health insurance rates; second year of 14.9% cap
Summary
County staff reported 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield rates under a two‑year rate‑cap arrangement. The board heard the informational update; open enrollment for employees runs Oct. 27–Nov. 7.
Kandiyohi County Administrator Kelsey Baker and staff updated the board on 2026 employee health‑insurance rates, which reflect the second year of a two‑year cap negotiated with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Baker said the county switched to Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2024 and negotiated a two‑year rate cap of 14.9 percent; 2026 is the second year covered by that agreement. Staff said the employer/employee premium split stays at the county’s established 50/50 arrangement for active employees and that the rates being distributed to staff will be used for the county’s open enrollment period from Oct. 27 through Nov. 7.
Board discussion: Commissioners asked whether the 2026 rates were already budgeted in the levy. County staff said the amounts are included in the 2026 levy calculation and that the county typically budgets conservatively for insurance costs. No formal board action was required; commissioners moved to accept the quote and direct HR to proceed with open enrollment materials.
Why it matters: Health‑insurance costs are one of the county’s larger operating expenditures. The two‑year capped arrangement limits near‑term premium volatility but staff said continued employee education on preventive care is part of managing long‑term costs.
