Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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 and employee unions described the vote as consequential for thousands of county workers. Public commenters representing SEIU Local 721 and county staff said rising premiums will hit lower-paid employees and might negate bargaining gains. Staff said the county will continue subsidizing premiums through a flexible credit allowance and noted some plan design changes (for example, expanded fertility coverage added to Blue Shield per California Senate Bill 729).
What staff presented: Dowdy said the county ran a market RFP and received limited offers; Blue Shield (the incumbent) responded, and Kaiser’s product model did not meet the county’s needs for out‑of‑area dependents. Staff recommended continuing the county’s existing set of plans (VCHCP plus three Blue Shield options and a Blue Shield HDHP/PPO), with the rate increases listed in the board letter. The county’s flexible credit allowance (employer contribution) will range by tier (biweekly) and be used to offset premiums.
Public comment and labor concerns: SEIU Local 721 members and county employees addressed the board during general public comment, urging the county to protect workers from large premium hikes. Speakers said members have received limited information during negotiations and asked the board to consider the impacts on take‑home pay. One employee noted the “27.2%” figure by name and asked for board support to offset the burden.
Board discussion and follow-up: Supervisors pressed staff on why VCHCP enrollment fell and whether the county is required to offer the Blue Shield “Trio” narrow‑network plan. Staff and plan representatives said competition and the availability of the lower‑cost Trio product led some healthier employees to switch, and that Blue Shield would not offer its full Access HMO without offering the Trio product as well. Staff outlined possible next steps to explore additional plan design options and the viability of a narrow‑network offering inside VCHCP, and said the planning and benefits offices are analyzing a potential county option and whether the county plan could add a narrow network.
Vote: Motion to approve the county flexible benefits program, plan options and the proposed rates for plan year 2026; moved by Supervisor Long; seconded by Supervisor LaVere. Outcome: passed (4 in favor, 1 absent).
Ending note: Staff emphasized that the 2026 premium changes and plan options will take effect on the county’s open‑enrollment period and that benefits staff will provide additional information to employees. The board did not adopt any immediate additional employer contributions beyond the flexible credit levels shown in the staff recommendation.
