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County staff warns of steep 2026 health insurance renewal; consultants to rebid and model options
Summary
Benefits staff told commissioners the county faces an estimated 35–39% increase in employee health insurance costs for 2026 and will go to market, explore plan design and deductible changes, and present firm numbers before a September renewal decision.
Neosho County benefits staff reported an early forecast of a significant health insurance cost increase for the 2026 plan year and outlined next steps for renegotiation and market testing.
During the June 17 work session Anthony, a benefits staff presenter, said recent utilization has driven projected increases and that the county is preparing to go to market. "The 2026 current estimated increase is 35 to 39%, which is about $480,000," he told commissioners. Anthony said Blue Cross’s expected loss ratio with current utilization would be well above the carrier’s target and that the county would examine plan design, deductibles, co-pays and combination options (including bundled dental and vision) to reduce the premium impact.
Staff said they are following a timeline: gather market bids in August, present negotiated options to the commission in early September and begin open enrollment and a wellness fair in October. Anthony noted the county is not set up to be self-funded and will therefore pursue changes within insured markets and plan design rather than a self-funded approach.
No changes were adopted in the work session; staff will return with firm renewal numbers, alternate plan designs and recommendations in August so the commission can decide at the September meeting prior to open enrollment.
