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County consultant urges higher employer share for family coverage to recruit staff
Summary
An outside advisor presented benchmarking showing Amelia County funds 96% of single employee health coverage but lags on dual and family tiers; the consultant recommended moving toward neighboring averages over two years to remain competitive in employee recruitment and retention.
An outside health‑insurance advisor told the Amelia County Board that, while the county offers comprehensive benefits through the Commonwealth’s program, its employer contribution for dependent (dual and family) coverage lags neighboring localities and could be adjusted to help retain employees.
David Rowe, hired July 1 as the county’s benefits advisor, said Amelia funds 96% of employee‑only costs but pays a smaller share for dual and family coverage — “we only fund 68% of that cost” for dual coverage and 64% for family coverage — and recommended the county consider moving closer to regional averages over the next two years. “To compete against these communities, that’s where you shake out,” he said.
Board members asked for more data on where applicants live and how insurance tiers compare with private‑sector packages; Rowe said staff can return with further benchmarking and implementation options. The board did not change benefits at the meeting; Rowe said any changes would need discussion about funding sources and tradeoffs with other departments.
