The Iron County Commission approved the 2026 employee insurance package at the Oct. 13 meeting. The insurance committee recommended continuing the county’s high‑deductible medical plan with PEHP (including an HSA option). The committee reported a negotiated renewal showing a 9.7% increase in premiums for 2026 after a competitive bid process; another bidder (SelectHealth) initially bid lower but would have required changes to the county prescription benefit and some employees’ out‑of‑network coverage.

County staff presented the monthly premium amounts and said the total 2026 premium increase equals approximately $316,007.62. The committee recommended using $200,000 from the county’s prior self‑funded account to offset the 2026 increase; staff said the account retains about $350,000 and the $200,000 draw would nearly offset most of the premium growth for the current year.

The commission also approved retaining EMI for dental, VSP for vision (2.2% increase), switching life and LTD coverage to New York Life and continuing accident/critical‑illness/hospital indemnity plans with MetLife. The IRS increased HSA contribution limits for 2026 and staff noted the county plan will reflect those limits.

The commission voted to adopt the insurance recommendations and asked human resources to finalize enrollment materials and communications for employees.