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Lincoln County authorizes Blue Cross subgroup applications as rates climb 5.4%
Summary
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners authorized the chair to sign three Blue Cross Blue Shield subgroup applications — a $2,600 copay plan, a $6,100 HDP HSA plan and a $1,600 FOP plan — effective July 1, 2025. Commissioners discussed administration burden of multiple plans and ongoing FOP negotiations.
The Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on a voice/roll-call vote authorized the chair to sign three Blue Cross Blue Shield subgroup applications that will take effect July 1, 2025: a $2,600 copay plan, a $6,100 high-deductible HSA plan and a $1,600 plan for the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).
County officials said the applications follow recommendations from the National Association of Counties benefit-services process and reflect a county share structure similar to the prior year. A county representative told the board the plans themselves are the same programs offered last year but that “the rates actually went up 5.4%,” a rise that county staff said had been flagged earlier in the month.
At a meeting of the full board, Commissioner Woodruff moved to authorize the chair’s signature on the application for the $2,600 copay health plan; Commissioner Hughley seconded. The board then voted to approve that application by roll call. Commissioners later approved the $6,100 HDP HSA subgroup application (motion by Hughley, second by Bruns) and, after discussion with FOP negotiators, approved continuing the separate $1,600 FOP plan for the coming year (motion and second recorded on the meeting record). All three authorizations were approved by the board.
Commissioners and staff discussed administrative impacts of maintaining multiple distinct plans. County staff said administering more plan options increases workload in the Treasurer’s and benefits offices; a commissioner who serves on the benefits committee offered to convey that administrative concern back to the NACO benefit-services group.
On the FOP plan specifically, commissioners said FOP leadership has requested that the county not attempt to combine the FOP plan into the general county plan this year; board members said that any change would require time and negotiation and could be considered during the next contract cycle. The board noted there are separate meetings about broader employee benefits scheduled the next day.
The applications are effective July 1, 2025; staff will complete the signature and enrollment steps before that effective date.
The authorizations change plan enrollment only; no additional county policy or budget amendment was adopted at the meeting.
