Woodbury County adopts new health plan effective Jan. 1, 2026; supervisors table extra December contribution

The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors approved a new county health insurance plan to take effect Jan. 1, 2026, while tabling a separate motion to increase the county’s contribution by about 20% for December.

Melissa Thomas, human resources director, and a consultant from Gallagher reviewed plan changes that include four enrollment tiers (single, single+spouse, single+children, family), adjustments to copays and deductibles, and a consolidated approach in which copays count toward the out-of-pocket maximum. "Everything... goes to our out of pocket max. So once you hit that 3,000, you're done paying for the year," Thomas said.

Ryan Erickson of board administration outlined fund pressures and proposed a one-month county supplement intended to shore up the health care fund, estimating that a 20% boost for December would amount to about $100,000. Erickson said the fund had run $300,000 year-to-date in the red and that the proposed change would help stabilize the account; he noted technical timing constraints with payroll that made the implementation window tight.

Supervisors expressed concern about making a high-cost decision without the full board present; one supervisor moved to table the 20% December increase until the next meeting so absent members could weigh in. The board agreed and tabled the motion by voice vote (carries 3-0). Separately, after discussion the board voted to approve the new health insurance plan effective Jan. 1, 2026.