The Lee County Insurance Committee reported it will continue the county’s current Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for the upcoming plan year, accepting a projected 13.5% premium increase that will take effect Sept. 1, 2025.

Nancy Naylor, who reported the insurance committee’s recommendation, told the Finance Committee that department heads, HR and the insurance liaison reviewed plan options and concluded the current plan — despite the increase — remains the best option given uncertainties and participant‑reporting requirements associated with alternatives. Naylor said some alternative options might lower costs marginally but would require additional participant reporting that the committee judged not worthwhile at this time.

Separately, Sarah (wellness committee co‑chair) gave the wellness committee update. The committee finalized a 5% YMCA membership discount for Lee County employees (effective July 1) and said the YMCA is waiving the new‑member fee for employees who enroll. Sarah said the committee is organizing two months of “lunch‑and‑learn” sessions on insurance‑related programs and biometrics (late August–early September) and will hold biometric screening events Oct. 8 and Oct. 15 at the Post House, offering the same participation incentives as last year ($200 e‑gift card and $25 lunch card).

The committee also said vending machines at several county facilities will be removed Aug. 20 while they seek healthier vending options, and the wellness committee paid registration fees for employees in a July 4th 5K that drew 15 employee participants.

Committee members confirmed the budget has incorporated the estimated insurance increase and said they will revisit the overall benefits strategy and competitive options during next year’s plan‑review process.