Chase County hears update on Freedom Choice health plan; reserves reported at about $78,019

County officials received a report on the county’s Freedom Choice health insurance plan showing the county’s running reserves and early claims performance.

A Freedom Claims representative told the board that, as of the meeting date, Chase County’s reserves stood at $78,018.60. The representative said the report covered January–March 2025 (the plan’s third year) and showed the county running roughly 6–8% under the projected annual figure during that snapshot period. Net savings after program adjustments were shown at roughly $20,003.94 for the three months reported.

The vendor representative explained the plan structure: a higher deductible policy administered via UnitedHealthcare with a secondary Freedom Claims plan that processes some claims in a two‑step claims flow. The board discussed prescription costs, generic‑vs‑brand utilization (the group’s generic utilization was reported at about 89.8%), and the importance of continuing to build reserves. County staff described the reserve as the primary metric to gauge future premium strategy and benefit enhancements.

Commissioners asked about likely renewal guidance and were told to plan for a 15% target increase as a conservative planning figure; the representative said actual renewals vary and the county’s current funding structure (not fully level‑funded) gives flexibility.

At the same meeting the commissioners approved a contract with Cindy Jensen, certified public accountant, for the county audit and separate budget assistance for $15,650; the board clarified the audit contract is for the audit work and that budget assistance would be covered under a separate letter as needed.

Ending: The board took the update for the record; no change in benefits or plan design was made at the meeting. Staff will continue to monitor claims, reserves and upcoming renewal options and will return with numbers for budget work sessions.