Effingham County reviews HSA, retiree HRA, dependent-care options and an imaging discount program

Mark, a benefits broker with USI, presented a menu of voluntary and employer-funded options meant to reduce county health-plan claims and give employees more portable, tax-advantaged ways to pay medical and dependent-care costs. The presentation came during the Board of Commissioners work session on March 18.

The presentation outlined four families of options: health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans; dependent-care accounts (described as an HRA for dependents); coverage for significant others/domestic partners; and two approaches to retiree or “gap” coverage for older employees. Mark also recommended an “imaging center discount” vendor that would arrange no-cost imaging at contracted radiology centers.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff cited rising claim costs and an aging workforce as reasons to consider incentives that would move older employees to separate retiree plans or to Medicare while still assisting with drug and out-of-pocket costs. Several options Mark described would change how claims are bucketed and potentially reduce pressure on the county’s self-funded plan.

Key points from the presentation

- HSA vs.…