County staff reviewed proposed changes to employee health and supplemental benefits for 2026 and told the board that a negotiated employer contribution for 2026 remains pending.

A staff presenter said there are no plan design changes for medical coverage but that medical premiums are estimated to increase an average of 8.4% across plans. The presentation said the county will increase its health savings account (HSA) contribution by $50 for single plans and $100 for family plans, which staff said will lower employee out‑of‑pocket exposure.

Staff discussed other changes: a dental‑plan rate warning tied to missed preventive visits, no changes to vision or core life/AD&D coverages, a move from Cigna to MetLife for critical-illness and accident coverage, and a new hospital-insurance product. The presenter said the short‑term disability plan will move from a county self‑insured model to an employee‑voluntary plan as a result of the upcoming Minnesota paid‑family‑leave law; the county’s voluntary plan will use a 90‑day elimination (waiting) period and the long‑term disability benefit will be adjusted to begin after that period.

On the state paid‑leave program the presenter said MetLife would serve as third‑party administrator and that the county would receive a guaranteed rate (0.79% for two years) versus a higher state‑administered rate. Staff said the changes were reviewed by the county’s labor‑management committee, which supported moving forward with the recommendations.

Commissioners asked how the county’s estimated increase compared to statewide averages. Commissioner Carlson noted reports of double‑digit statewide increases; the presenter said small‑group averages were near 8.5% and individual market averages around 7.5%, while some large carriers were posting higher increases. Commissioner Gould, who participated remotely, asked whether costs for family coverage were driving employee complaints; the presenter cited inflation, high‑cost new drugs and increased behavioral‑health utilization as key drivers.

Staff told the board that open enrollment would occur in October if the board approves the item on the consent agenda; later in the meeting the board moved the insurance item from consent to the regular agenda for fuller discussion.

No final benefit approvals were recorded during the work session; staff said negotiated contribution amounts for 2026 are still under negotiation and will be brought forward once settled. The presenter also said personnel notices and state‑required employee postings will be distributed once the state finalizes guidance.