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Board approves 2026 county health-plan rates after debate over 27.2% VCHCP increase
Summary
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved new employee health plan rates for plan year 2026 after staff warned of large premium increases — including a 27.2% jump in the county-run Ventura County Health Care Plan — and amid worker concerns about affordability.
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 30 approved new medical, dental and vision plan options and premiums for plan year 2026, after staff outlined sharp premium increases and unions warned employees could not absorb the higher costs.
County employee benefits manager Patty Dowdy told the board that the county’s Ventura County Health Care Plan (VCHCP) needs an average increase of about 26–27% to reach actuarial balance; the board packet and Dowdy’s presentation described a 27.2% premium increase for VCHCP and smaller double-digit increases for Blue Shield plans. Dowdy said VCHCP enrollment has fallen by more than 20% in three years, reducing premium revenue and driving the rate spike.
The new rates were approved on a motion (moved by Supervisor Long, seconded by Supervisor LaVere) and passed with four votes in favor and one absence.
Why it matters: County leaders…
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