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Commission approves UnitedHealthCare plan option; county to increase contribution
Summary
Loudon County commissioners approved a county contribution increase for the recommended UnitedHealthCare plan (option 1); employees may choose a lower out‑of‑pocket alternative (option 2) by paying the difference.
Loudon County commissioners on June 2 approved the budget committee’s recommendation to adopt UnitedHealthCare (UHC) plan option 1 as the county’s primary health‑insurance offering and to increase the county’s contribution to that plan.
County staff presented two options: option 1 (the recommended plan) would raise the county’s contribution by about $250,000; option 2 would lower employees’ out‑of‑pocket maximums but cost the county about $400,000 more. Under the approved approach, employees may elect option 2 but would pay the additional cost between option 2 and option 1. “The option 2 plan has a lower out‑of‑pocket cost,” a staff presenter said; option 1 retains higher cost‑sharing but keeps employer costs lower.
Commission debate addressed affordability and the tradeoffs between higher county cost versus lower employee out‑of‑pocket expenses. County presenters said the change, combined with a cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) being considered for employees, provided a balanced approach. The budget committee and staff said the county had reviewed utilization scenarios and that some employees — for example, those with frequent visits or multiple prescriptions — could save money under option 2 despite the higher employer cost.
Commissioner Whitaker moved to approve the budget committee recommendation; Commissioner Shaver seconded. On roll call the motion passed 7–2 (seven in favor, two opposed). The transcript records Commissioner Jenkins saying, “I don’t like UHC, so I’m gonna vote no,” and Quillen recorded a “no” vote as well. Commissioners Satterfield, Whitfield, Cullen, Morrison, Shaver and Randolph recorded “yes.”
County staff noted employees may choose the richer plan and will pay the incremental cost; staff also provided figures for estimated county cost increases tied to each option. The payroll and benefit changes will be implemented according to the county’s HR schedule once the plan vendor and contract details are finalized.
