Audit finds billing errors in county health plan; McGriff proposes changes that could save hundreds of thousands

County officials and outside consultants told the commissioners a recent review of the county’s health plan uncovered billing and fee issues that resulted in a $180,290.82 rebate and potential further savings if contract terms are changed.

Pierre Fox, executive vice president at McGriff and Complete Benefits, described how the county’s third‑party administrator historically reprocessed billed charges against Medicare‑based allowances and applied a percentage fee on billed charges. McGriff’s review of the contract identified a fee discrepancy that prompted the $180,290.82 refund covering last year through April 18 of the current year. McGriff said ongoing adjustments could produce an estimated $700,000 annual savings depending on contract changes and that McGriff would guarantee a per‑employee, per‑month fee for a period of years if selected.

Commissioners discussed next steps. The county’s representative recommended presenting McGriff’s findings to the insurance committee (comprised of commissioners and council members) and requested an agent‑of‑record letter so McGriff can access invoices and vendor contracts (Imagine 360, Aflac, Delta Dental and others) to validate its estimates. A motion to table and set an insurance committee meeting passed; commissioners asked staff to schedule that meeting in the coming weeks and to verify enrollment timing so vendors can provide firm quotes for plan year 2026.

No vendor contract was awarded at the meeting; commissioners deferred the decision to the insurance committee and requested validated numbers before any change in broker or administrator is authorized.