The Owen County Board of Commissioners approved a switch of the county employee health insurance to UnitedHealthcare, effective Jan. 1, 2026, by a 3-0 vote.

Commissioners heard a presentation from Ron Remack of Dolce Brown Associates, who said UnitedHealthcare would provide “virtually the same benefit package” as the county’s current IU Health Plan and guarantee in writing that the 2027 renewal would not exceed a 19.9% increase if the county keeps claims within recent patterns. Remack told the board UnitedHealthcare will also provide a $20,000 premium credit to be applied on the second or third month’s billing after enrollment begins.

The recommendation came after the Indiana Department of Insurance was reported to be reviewing a formal complaint related to the county’s previous carrier arrangement; Remack said he had been in contact with the department and was awaiting their decision. He told commissioners UnitedHealthcare’s network is larger than IU Health Plan’s, which he listed as an advantage for county employees.

Commission discussion was procedural; commissioners said they would work with human resources staff on open enrollment dates and carrier paperwork. The motion to accept the UnitedHealthcare offer carried unanimously by voice vote.

What the county approved is the carrier arrangement and the terms presented to the board. Details that remain to be completed include final enrollment paperwork from UnitedHealthcare, and the county’s planned outreach and open-enrollment dates for employees.

The board’s action was recorded as approved by all commissioners present.