Human Resources presented health‑insurance renewal options for fiscal year 2026 at the April 7 workshop and asked the board for permission to proceed with open enrollment on May 7.

Joanna Ray of Human Resources and a consultant from USI reviewed two plan options: a qualified high‑deductible health plan (HSA‑eligible) and an OAP (open access plan) with copay features. The consultant said the two plans benchmark “in line” with peer employers and that last year the county had already modified the OAP to reduce deductibles and add copays to improve recruitment and retention.

Officials projected the total general‑fund cost for the county’s medical program — including medical, pharmacy, HSA contributions, clinic costs and administrative fees — at about $20,900,000 if plan designs remain unchanged. The human‑resources presentation noted that the county is self‑insured and maintains a reserve; staff said any year‑to‑year savings remain with the county.

Dental coverage, a voluntary employee‑paid benefit, was renewed with Delta Dental after a market review; staff said dental utilization post‑COVID has risen and that employee premiums will increase about 26%.

Several commissioners expressed concern about the program’s taxpayer cost. Commissioner Laura Lindsey said, in part, "It's very difficult as a taxpayer to look at some of this and realize that the money that is coming out of the general fund… is truly my money and our money." Other commissioners asked staff to provide additional benchmarking specific to North Carolina peers and to explore design options that preserve recruitment and retention without unduly burdening taxpayers.

Human Resources asked the board to approve continuing both plan options for FY26 and to authorize the administration to run open enrollment; no final vote on plan design changes was recorded that evening.

Staff said they will provide additional benchmarking and options for the board to review ahead of open enrollment and noted that some employees waive county coverage; budgeting is done by position so waived coverage does not reduce required funding for the plan pool.