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Commissioners weigh VEBA/ICRA options and broker choice; staff to gather proposals
Summary
During a workshop following the regular meeting, Franklin County commissioners discussed benefits strategy including VEBA and ICRA options, broker selection (Hub and others) and directed staff to request written summaries from presenters to inform a future decision.
Franklin County commissioners discussed employee benefits strategy during a workshop after the regular meeting, focusing on whether to adopt a voluntary individual coverage reimbursement arrangement (ICRA) or a VEBA-style (Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association) supplemental account, and whether to retain broker Hub or issue a request for proposals.
Margo Wilder (benefits staff) briefed commissioners on options and next steps. Commissioners said they were not prepared to shift the county from fully insured to fully self-insured immediately; several favored keeping the existing carrier relationship for medical coverage while seeking vendor proposals for supplemental arrangements (VEBA) or an ICRA that would give employees a set contribution to select individual plans. One commissioner suggested a $300 monthly VEBA contribution as an example; another commissioner said commissioners should first select a broker and then evaluate ICRA/VEBA offerings through that broker.
The board asked Wilder to solicit concise written summaries from all presenters (including Hub and other brokers) outlining what each firm could provide specifically on supplemental products and ICRA administration, and to present that information at a subsequent meeting. Wilder said an RFP would be required only if commissioners decide to formally change brokers; otherwise the county can market supplemental products in August. Commissioners set a follow-up timeline and asked staff to return with comparative information before making a final decision.
Speakers included benefits staff Margo Wilder, County Administrator Brian Danzl, and multiple commissioners.
