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Mako Healthcare Trust presents plan performance; county faces a 5% health-rate increase for 2026
Summary
Mako Healthcare Trust representatives told commissioners the pool will implement a 5% rate increase for 2026 after using reserves to buy down a higher actuarial recommendation; presenters reviewed utilization, pharmacy cost drivers and wellness programs.
Representatives from Mako Healthcare Trust and Allegiance presented the 2025 plan performance report and a proposed 5% rate increase for the 2026 plan year.
Speaker 9 (Mako presenter) told the commission "the trust increase was a 5%" for 2026. Mako staff said the actuary had recommended 7.5% but the trust used reserves to reduce the increase to 5% to preserve rate stabilization. The presenters explained that Granite County has had a higher-than-average loss ratio (roughly 125% in 9 of the last 10 years), which makes pooling valuable for rate control.
Mako reviewed specific utilization metrics: county claimants-to-members rates, higher pharmacy costs relative to benchmark and elevated cancer prevalence in the county population as a cost driver. Presenters highlighted programs intended to reduce long-term cost, including a "Hello Heart" blood-pressure program that distributes a free cuff and app, and "Recurro," a telehealth option priced at $40 per visit intended to reduce avoidable emergency-room use.
Mako said it will provide alternate, family-friendly rate scenarios to the county ahead of the March 13 paperwork deadline for plan elections and confirmed options to remain with Allegiance as third-party administrator following a request-for-proposal process.
