The Grand County Commission voted Tuesday to renew the county's employee health insurance with Cigna, approving a 4.78% renewal rate after a weeks-long review of bids and staff outreach to employees.

County human resources director Tess Farger led a presentation outlining competitive responses from Cigna and PEHP (Public Employees Health Program). Farger said Cigna's insurer initially proposed a 14.9% renewal; negotiation through benefits administrator GBS Benefits produced a final 4.78% renewal offer that staff brought back to the commission as their recommended option.

Why it matters: The county provides medical benefits to roughly 145 covered employees and uses benefits as a key recruitment and retention tool. Commissioners and staff said stability of provider networks, prescription coverage and disruption risk for employees already in active care were central concerns.

What the commission heard: Farger and GBS consultant Rick Stewart described plan differences and draft cost models. PEHP representative Derek Applegate explained PEHP's structure and said the program operates as a government trust serving Utah public employers; he described two Utah-network plan options employees would choose between if the county switched carriers. Staff said PEHP showed a lower renewal, but that switching would mean employees who use Grand Junction providers could face network differences depending on plan choice.

Employees and department leaders who spoke during the meeting warned about the logistical and financial burden if long-running treatments required moving to out-of-network providers. County department heads and at least one county employee said they were in the middle of ongoing care and favored staying with Cigna to avoid disruption.

Commission discussion focused on the tradeoffs between lower premium projections and the operational disruption of changing carriers. Some commissioners emphasized the need to protect employees already mid-treatment; others pressed staff about later-year cost risk and whether the county could revisit the carrier if future experience or refunds made alternatives more attractive.

Vote and outcome: Commissioner Melody McCandless moved to accept the Cigna renewal at 4.78%; Commissioner Hadler seconded. The motion passed; one commissioner — Commissioner Martinez — voted against the renewal, citing concerns about long-term budget pressure and the need to control county costs.

What happens next: The county will execute a renewal with Cigna for plan year 2026 and continue to monitor claims experience; staff said future open enrollment and utilization data will inform any carrier reconsideration for 2027.

Sources: Presentation and Q&A by Tess Farger (HR), Derek Applegate (PEHP), Rick Stewart (GBS Benefits); public comment from county employees; formal vote of the Grand County Commission.