Johnson County benefits staff recommended Tuesday that the county authorize a one‑year contract with Symetra for group stop‑loss coverage for the 2026 plan year and increase the specific deductible from $450,000 to $500,000 to reduce premium expense.

Cameron Ahrens, benefits and wellness coordinator, described the county’s self‑funded plan and the role of stop‑loss coverage to protect against catastrophic claims. He said two carriers responded to the bid — incumbent Symetra and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City — and that Symetra offered a proposal without "lasers" (individual surcharges) and with more favorable terms.

Ahrens said moving the specific deductible from $450,000 to $500,000 would likely reduce the county’s premium by roughly $600,000; in a scenario with multiple high‑dollar claimants the net savings would still be substantial and he estimated a minimum savings of about $300,000 given historical claims patterns (the county averages six to seven stop‑loss claimants per year). He noted the stop‑loss market is constrained due to concerns about gene therapies and other very high‑cost treatments.

Ahrens said the estimated annual premium for the recommended coverage does not exceed $3,375,062 and that the cost was budgeted in the FY2026 estimate. Commissioners asked about the increase in the premium relative to recent years and Ahrens said market volatility and ongoing high-cost claimants are factors driving the increase.

The board placed the item on consent during the agenda review.