USI consultant urges Dickinson County to consider partial self-funding, highlights prescription-drug savings

A USI benefits consultant presented to the Dickinson County Board of Commissioners on the county's employee health plans, recommending the county evaluate partial self-funding and a set of prescription-drug strategies intended to reduce long-term costs.

The consultant, identified in the meeting as Steve and described as a USI benefits consultant, told commissioners that prescription drugs now represent a growing share of total plan costs and said a move to partial self-funding can capture manufacturer rebates and other savings that fully insured plans typically do not return to the employer.

Why it matters: The county is paying several million dollars a year for employee health coverage. The presenter estimated the county plan covers roughly 100'150 employees with an annual per-employee cost he approximated at $14,000, producing a plan cost in the range of about $2 million per year. He said drug spending, especially for high-cost specialty medications, is a major driver of increases and a place where employers often can realize savings.

Key points from the…