Daggett County will absorb 5.28% rise in employee health premiums, adding about $22,146 to 2025 costs

The Daggett County Commission voted to have the county pay the full 5.28% increase to its medical insurance premiums for 2025, adding about $22,001.46 to the county’s costs to preserve current employee coverage. The decision came after a benefits‑renewal presentation and brief discussion during the commission’s regular meeting.

Caleb Brown, who presented the renewal package and identified himself as working with brokerage resources used by the county, told commissioners that medical costs nationally have been running higher this year and that, for Daggett County, the PEHP medical plan is renewing at 5.28%. Brown said other benefit lines showed smaller or no changes: Dental Select increased roughly 0.11% (about $29 per year), vision and voluntary benefits held their rates, and Lincoln Financial’s life and long‑term disability lines were unchanged for the coming year.

Brown reviewed plan designs and premium changes: the county’s traditional plan keeps a $500 individual/$1,000 family deductible with 20% coinsurance after the deductible; the county’s high‑deductible health plan has a $2,500 individual/$5,000 family deductible and no cost‑sharing after the out‑of‑pocket maximum is met. He said the HDHP is the plan used as the basis for county contributions and that most employees enroll in that option.

Brown also described dental plan features (a $50 individual deductible, $1,500 annual maximum and modest premium shifts), the Opticare vision plan (12‑month frequency, $10 exam copay, $150 eyewear allowance), the county’s $50,000 basic life policy through Lincoln Financial, and a long‑term disability plan that provides 60% of earnings up to $6,000. He recommended keeping the existing lines in place for now and noted several lines still have a one‑year rate guarantee.

On administration and employee outreach, Brown said the county would continue using the Employee Navigator enrollment platform and recommended an app called Bright HR to help employees compare plan options before open enrollment. He told the commission that Bright HR — a Utah‑based tool with decision‑tree features — could help employees determine which plan fits their needs.

Commissioners asked whether the county should absorb the increase or pass it to employees. A staff member provided the county cost to hold coverage steady at $22,001.46 for 2025. One commissioner said absorbing the increase would effectively offset what employees might otherwise have lost in raises and moved that the county pick up the 5.28% increase. Another commissioner seconded the motion. The commission approved the motion by voice vote; commissioners and staff then discussed confirming enrollment materials and email notices during open enrollment.

The presentation also included a discussion of retiree and Medicare matters after the motion: commissioners and participants reviewed Medicare Part A and B timing, supplemental (Medigap) and Advantage plan availability in rural counties, and the potential implications for employees who approach retirement and remain on county coverage.

The commission did not change plan designs as part of the vote; its action was limited to funding the premium increase for 2025 and directing staff to proceed with renewals and enrollment communications. The related contracting and award for an airport project will be handled at the 11:30 MBA meeting, the commission said.