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Winona County to add two employee health-plan options amid steep rate increases
Summary
Human-resources director proposed two additional employee health-plan choices and the board approved the change; commissioners pressed for clearer numbers, employee education and broker negotiation as a 29% premium increase drew concern.
Winona County commissioners voted Sept. 23 to accept two additional employee health-plan options that human-resources staff say will offer more choice and potential savings for both employees and the county.
Todd Sudler, the county’s human-resources director, told the board the packet recommends adding a mid-tier option with approximately a $1,000 single / $3,000 family deductible and a higher-deductible option (for example, $5,000 single / $10,000 family) alongside the existing comprehensive and current high-deductible plans. Sudler said adding options could encourage employees to choose lower-premium plans and that the county would continue employer contributions to health savings accounts.
Commissioners pressed staff on the math and table layout in the packet, noting apparent transposed values and asking whether premiums and deductibles were presented accurately. One commissioner said the proposed rate changes represented a 29% increase and called that "just crazy," while Sudler said open enrollment is planned for November and staff would work with the broker to educate employees and negotiate rates.
Several commissioners asked for tools to help employees choose the best option for their household — for example, side-by-side comparisons that account for spouse coverage and out-of-network considerations. Sudler said the broker and county wellness initiatives (including biometrics/Wellness programs) would support education during open enrollment.
The board approved the staff recommendation by motion. Commissioners noted the county will need clear enrollment materials and further negotiation with the broker to lock rates for 2026.
What’s next: Human Resources will provide open-enrollment education and finalize rate information with the county’s broker in the coming weeks ahead of November enrollment.
