Bourbon County commissioners on Tuesday heard a presentation from benefits brokers on options to control rising employee health‑insurance costs and to align plan renewals with the county’s budgeting cycle.

The county’s benefits consultant, Don (broker/consultant), told commissioners a group the county’s size typically pays 90%–100% of single coverage and usually does not cover dependent costs; he said larger employer groups “pay 90 to a 100% of the employee cost” and “most do not pay towards the dependent cost.”

The presentation laid out several choices. Brokers recommended comparing: staying fully insured with Blue Cross (the county’s current carrier), defined‑contribution approaches (for example, a fixed dollar employer contribution for family coverage), a short plan year to match the county’s budget calendar, and partial or full self‑funding with stop‑loss protection. Don said self‑funding can return reserves to employers but carries more short‑term cash‑flow risk and requires robust stop‑loss limits and run‑out provisions.

Why it matters: commissioners said they need final rates in time for the county’s budget cycle. One commissioner said the county “may need to do a short plan here and get our rates sooner” so the budget office has figures for July–August planning. Broker Don said carriers typically provide final renewal figures only after they compile recent claim experience, and Blue Cross in the county’s case aims to provide renewal numbers 90–120 days before a January 1 effective date.

Commissioners pressed for illustrations showing how contributions affect employer costs and employee paychecks. Don and his colleague Jeremy said they would model scenarios — including a defined contribution ($900/month for single coverage plus a fixed family contribution example of $400), partial self‑funding, level funding and short plan years — and compare them to the county’s current fully insured plan. Don described a common broker tactic of letting other carriers quote and then giving Blue Cross a “last look” to use competitive leverage.

Concerns raised included: timing for renewals (a short plan year can create more frequent negotiations and potential higher rates if claims run hot); the county’s use of reserves to smooth costs; and operational feasibility of any move to self‑funding. Don recommended at least a 120‑day lead time to secure renewal numbers but said 90 days is more typical depending on underwriters.

Next steps: commissioners asked staff to return Monday with renewal numbers and spreadsheets showing multiple scenarios (fully insured, defined contribution, short plan year, level funding and self‑funded illustrations) and to provide a clearer timeline for implementation. Christy Mitchell of Blue Cross, who will attend the follow‑up meeting, was identified as a participant for the renewal discussion.

The presentation did not include any formal vote. Commissioners asked for additional analysis to be provided at the Monday session so they can consider budget implications.