County approves Aetna retiree plan renewal despite 21.1% premium increase
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Summary
The board approved renewal of a retiree health insurance arrangement with Aetna after staff said the 21.1% increase was higher than expected and efforts to find a lower-cost comparable plan failed; about 180 retirees are enrolled and the county’s OPEB trust is fully funded.
Franklin County commissioners voted Oct. 22 to renew a retiree health-insurance agreement with Aetna after staff described a steep 21.1% premium increase for the policy that covers eligible retirees and their spouses.
Morgan Yanks (human-resources staff) told commissioners the renewal “came in surprisingly high,” and that county staff had gone to market seeking a lower-cost comparable plan but were turned away by two companies that declined to quote a competing price. “They wouldn’t quote us because they knew they couldn’t come in at a comparable price,” Yanks said.
Under the county’s post‑employment health‑care policy, employees hired before Jan. 1, 2002, with at least eight years of service receiving pension payments are eligible for 75% coverage; those with at least 20 years are eligible for 100% coverage, with spouses eligible at 50% if they meet the policy conditions, including Medicare Parts A and B enrollment. Yanks said about 180 retirees are currently enrolled in the program.
Commissioners noted Franklin County has fully funded its OPEB (Other Post‑Employment Benefits) trust — protecting the county from immediate budget shocks — but that a sustained premium jump could require general‑fund support in future years. Commissioner discussion reiterated the county was prepared to use reserves as necessary but that long‑term sustainability depends on future premiums and enrollment trends.
A motion to approve the Aetna renewal passed by voice vote. County staff said the plan will continue to be paid from OPEB reserves, which the county has fully funded.