Patrick County keeps Anthem for employee health plan; board OKs $200,000 budget increase

The Patrick County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to award the county’s employee health insurance contract to Anthem and to have the county assume the full cost of the premium increase, with approximately $200,000 added to next year’s budget.

The decision followed a presentation from Sam Irvey of Innovative Solutions, who summarized an insurer request for renewal from Anthem, subsequent requests for proposals and comparative pricing from several carriers. “Our recommendation is that you go ahead and stay with Anthem this year,” Irvey said, noting Anthem’s point-of-service (POS) product would preserve employees’ existing networks and limit disruption.

Why it matters: The county’s estimated annual premium proposals shown to the board were in the roughly $2.0 million range; initial renewal pricing from Anthem had been materially higher before negotiation. County staff said employees had borne part of last year’s increase and that, if the board covered the full increase this year, the net new budget cost would be about $200,000 rather than the headline increase in premiums.

Details of the presentation and board discussion: Irvey said the county solicited bids from Anthem (with both fully insured and self-insured options), Sentara Health Plan and Jefferson Health Plan. He told the board the carriers’ proposals were broadly similar and that, after discussions with Anthem’s underwriter, Anthem trimmed its rate. Irvey also advised the board that the county’s claims experience — and broader industry claims increases, including prescription costs — were the principal drivers of the rise.

The board discussed how the increase translated to per-employee cost and enrollment. Irvey said roughly 38 employees and dependents participate in the county plan. Board members noted switching carriers frequently can be disruptive to employees and unanimously supported remaining with Anthem this year to reduce network and benefit changes.

Vote and budget treatment: A motion to award Anthem the fully insured contract for fiscal year 2025–26, to have the county assume the full premium increase and to add $200,000 to the proposed budget carried unanimously (see "Actions" below). Board members recorded as voting "aye" were Supervisor Marshall, Supervisor Kendrick, Supervisor Perry, Supervisor Overby and the chair (name not specified in the record).

What remains unsettled: The board discussed re-evaluating self-funding next year if market conditions change. Open enrollment logistics and employee communications were left to staff and the broker.

Ending note: The board approved the move to avoid disruption to employees’ provider networks and to fund the county’s portion of the increase in next year’s budget.