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Paulding County staff present benefits renewal; medical rates rise 38.4% under self-funded plan
Summary
County benefits staff told commissioners that medical expenses will increase 38.4% this renewal cycle under the county's first self-funded year; dental and vision rates were guaranteed and ancillary coverages were unchanged, per staff.
County benefits staff presented the annual employee‑benefits renewal and told the commission that dental and vision rates through Anthem are guaranteed (dental through 2026, vision through 2028) and ancillary coverages (life, disability, Aflac) show no rate change. The staff presenter said a new voluntary accidental/hospital indemnity product will be offered.
Staff said the county's medical plan renewal is the first under a self‑funded model and produced a 38.4% premium increase driven by several high‑cost claims. The presenter said consultants negotiated the rate and that competing renewals received higher proposed increases (one quote at 49–52% and an extreme figure cited higher), prompting the county to stay with Blue Cross Blue Shield and the negotiated self‑funded arrangement. The presenter described planned employee-focused programs (health fair and wellness outreach) intended to reduce future claims.
Commissioners thanked staff for work on the renewal and noted that the insurer market produced higher alternative quotes. Staff said the renewal package and related changes were ready for board action; the transcript shows discussion and acceptance of the recommendation but does not record a detailed roll-call vote in the provided excerpt.
