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County staff warn of steep medical renewal; six retirees impacted by Medicare Advantage change
Summary
County benefits staff reported a 29.3% initial medical renewal and told the committee that six retirees on a Medicare Advantage plan must switch coverage after that insurer withdraws coverage next year.
At the Sept. 3 Iroquois County finance committee meeting, benefits staff told the committee that a recent renewal notice shows medical premiums initially up 29.3% for the coming plan year and that Health Alliance Medicare Advantage plans will no longer be in effect as of Jan. 1.
"Health Alliance Medicare Advantage plans are no longer going to be in effect as of 01/01," benefits staff member Susie Warner told the committee. She said six retirees currently enrolled on those plans received letters with quotes for Medicare supplement plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield and that staff had asked the retirees to reach out to discuss options.
Warner said the county received the renewal and is soliciting bids from other carriers to compare rates and to use competing quotes as leverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Warner also said last year she started with a 21.6% renewal and negotiated it down to 4.86% before network changes, and she noted the county has several high-cost claims contributing to the current renewal increase.
Warner listed eight high-payment claims ranging from about $52,000 to $439,000 but said the $439,000 claim is no longer enrolled on the plan, which should reduce pressure on rates. She said dental and vision plans have rate guarantees through 2027 and that life insurance also is guaranteed through 2027.
Warner told the committee she had put the medical and dental renewals out to bid and expected to have additional information to share with staff and the committee once those bids and any rate-relief responses returned.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about timing and open enrollment; Warner said the county plans to hold open enrollment the week of Nov. 3 and is considering two-day sign-up sessions.
No formal action was taken at the meeting; benefits staff will return with detailed renewal quotes and recommendations.
