Osceola County reviews ISAC health plan renewal, considers dental change and use of reserves

Assured Partners presented Osceola County officials with the ISAC pool renewal for employee health benefits, reporting a 2.5% medical premium increase, a 2% dental increase and several voluntary benefit options.

The presentation explained why the ISAC (Iowa State Association of Counties) pool reduced its overall base rate by about 3% after a roughly $7 million pool surplus, while the county's specific experience adjustments produced a net change that results in a modest rise for the county's premiums. The consultant said the county's partial self-funded reserve balance is substantial and could — if the board chose — be repurposed, but noted differing auditors may view such transfers differently.

Why it matters: health insurance and benefit design affect employee pay and the county budget. The board discussed whether to change the county's…