Finance committee approves Blue Cross plan alternative, dental rate increase and continues EAP

Kankakee County—Finance Committee members on Sept. 18 approved a recommended alternate medical plan from Blue Cross Blue Shield, a 9.11% increase to the county s self-funded dental rates and continuation of the county s employee assistance program.

The committee moved to replace the initial Blue Cross renewal after staff and the subcommittee reviewed multiple proposals and loss‑ratio data. Anita, a county staff member who led the procurement review, said the insurer s initial renewal was 21.3% (about $1,559,000 in total premium), with the county s share roughly $1,169,000 and employee contributions averaging 25% (about $389,000).

Mike Lynch, the county s insurance broker with MSL Benefits, told the committee that large medical claims and sharply rising prescription spending were driving rates statewide. "There's a 50 some percent increase in drug…