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Delaware County approves agent‑of‑record letter to McGriff amid debate over rising health premiums
Summary
The commissioners voted 2–1 to authorize an agent‑of‑record letter to McGriff so the broker can negotiate with county carriers. Commissioners debated projected premium increases under the county’s current advisor and reviewed alternatives that could avoid or reduce employee premium hikes.
Delaware County commissioners on Monday voted to issue an agent‑of‑record letter to McGriff so the firm can work directly with the county’s health insurance providers to seek premium savings.
The commissioners said the decision was driven by cost projections presented in committee meetings. County staff told the board that continuing with the county’s current advisor, Apex, could result in “a minimum” projected increase to the total premium and that in one scenario employees’ premiums could rise substantially. Commissioners also discussed alternative proposals that McGriff presented that the board said would avoid increases to the county’s 2026 budget.
The insurance committee reviewed presentations from both Apex and McGriff. Commissioners said some criticisms of McGriff raised by Apex at the committee were investigated and “debunked” after follow up with McGriff and carrier documentation. Commissioners noted McGriff and its parent, Marsh McLennan, have existing relationships with Imagine360 and other carriers, which the county said would help negotiations.
The board voted to authorize McGriff to proceed with an agent‑of‑record letter so McGriff can engage carriers directly. The roll call vote was: Commissioner Brand, yes; Commissioner Reagan, yes; Commissioner Henry, no. The motion passed.
Commissioners distinguished budget planning from final plan design: they asked that an agent‑of‑record letter be issued so the county can validate savings and then decide how to budget and whether to change plan design or vendor relationships. County staff said one option McGriff proposed could keep county costs flat compared with 2025, while other scenarios presented by Apex could raise total premiums by double‑digit percentages.
The board directed staff to have McGriff prepare the agent‑of‑record documentation and transmit it to county staff for signature at the next meeting. No final changes to employee benefit design or employee cost‑sharing were adopted at Monday’s meeting.
