County approves 2026 health and ancillary benefits renewals; Medica rate cap negotiated to 13%

Hubbard County commissioners approved the county’s 2026 health and ancillary benefits renewals after the benefits committee recommended renewal and negotiated a lower rate cap for healthcare.

Human resources staff told the board that the county’s healthcare coverage with Medica had an initial second-year rate cap of 14.5 percent, and broker negotiations reduced that to a 13 percent increase. Staff said the cost-sharing arrangement remains: the county and employees split the increase (staff described it as a 50/50 split on the excess beyond the county’s baseline contribution).

Ancillary coverage changes recommended by the benefits committee include: - Dental (MetLife): 8% renewal increase; county previously expected higher increases based on claims but negotiated down to 8%. - Vision (VSP): no rate increase and a two-year rate guarantee. - Accident and critical illness: recommendation to change to MetLife and move to attained-age rates (staff cited benefits in portability and system compatibility). - Short-term disability: the committee recommended discontinuing county-provided short-term disability, because the Minnesota Paid Family Leave program will cover that period; long-term disability coverage will remain with Lincoln Financial at no rate increase.

Staff said benefit open enrollment is planned for Oct. 20–30, with broker-led employee meetings. The board approved the renewals in one motion.

Ending: Staff will proceed with system programming for open enrollment and coordinate employee meetings; details on pharmacy utilization and preventative care outreach were discussed but will be addressed in staff reports and employee communications.