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Council hears concerns over COHCC insurance increase; staff outlines options and budget timing
Summary
Council members raised concerns about an approximately 20% increase in insurance through the Central Ohio Health Care Consortium (COHCC); staff explained joint-agreement withdrawal rules, that entities may have left the consortium and that options such as self-insurance or joining another consortium are being explored with impacts likely to appear
Council members asked city staff about a near-20% increase in insurance costs through the consortium referenced as COHCC and how that would affect the city budget.
A councilmember noted the reported increase and asked whether municipalities that left the consortium were responsible for portions of the consortium's debt. Staff replied that the joint agreement contains a provision allowing entities to drop out before Oct. 1 by providing notice in writing; those that met that requirement would not remain liable for subsequent assessments tied to the consortium's debt. Staff said some entities were pursuing self-insurance while others planned to join different consortiums.
Staff said the consortium is exploring changes including experience-modified-rating (EMR) strategies and that the city would examine options during the coming year. The city will reflect increased insurance costs in its 2026 budget; staff said the council would see those changes as part of budget deliberations.
Council members expressed concern about perceived fairness if some entities ran up liabilities and then left the pool, and staff said they would continue outreach to other municipalities to learn where they migrated and what rates they obtained. No formal action was taken at the meeting; staff offered to provide additional information and to send follow-up emails and reports to council.
