County examines health insurance renewal options as clinic contract and 340B savings draw scrutiny

LaPorte County commissioners and staff heard competing health‑insurance scenarios and an update on the county clinic at the July 15 workshop.

Eric Gibson, the county’s insurance broker, presented renewal comparisons: renewing the current UMR program would produce an estimated 18.5% increase, while an Anthem alternative would result in a smaller increase (roughly 8%) and deliver approximately $1 million in lower expected costs versus the worst‑case renewal. Gibson also presented an ICHRA (Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement) option that would substantially cut the county’s cost but would materially reduce services and employee coverage.

Commissioners discussed stop‑loss limits, expected and maximum cost ranges, and asked whether other brokers could be invited to seek competing bids. Gibson advised that the county’s current plan normalized to a 504 enrollment baseline and that the expected totals could reach a significantly higher maximum if stop‑loss triggers are reached.

The workshop included extended discussion of the county clinic contract with North Shore. Gibson and commissioners said the county benefits from drug savings via the 340B program but reported service and staffing failures at the clinic that have limited employee access. Commissioners said the clinic arrangement still produces monthly outflows (commonly cited between $40,000 and $50,000 per month in the workshop) for clinic costs and labs, and they are exploring other local providers to replace North Shore.

Commissioners directed staff to obtain final renewal numbers and vendor quotes for insurance and to bring detailed clinic invoices for review. They also discussed whether to solicit competing brokers to pursue additional savings before finalizing the county’s renewal decision.