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Emery County approves 9.8% medical premium increase after insurer cites 130% loss ratio
Summary
The Emery County Commission voted April 1 to accept a 9.8% renewal for county medical coverage after insurer representatives said the plan’s loss ratio is about 130%; dental, vision and life plans remain on a rate-hold.
Jeff Kelsey, the county’s broker with Intermountain Insurance Services, told the Emery County Commission on April 1 that the county’s medical carrier, PEHP, is showing about a 130% loss ratio for the plan year and initially proposed an 11% renewal. After discussions with underwriters and actuaries, Kelsey said the carrier revised the increase to 9.8% and the county’s staff recommended acceptance. He said dental, vision and life policies are on a rate-hold and will not increase.
Commissioners asked procedural questions about plan-year timing and deductibles. County staff and Kelsey explained that premiums refresh on July 1 (plan year 07/01/2025–06/30/2026), while calendar-year deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums reset on January 1; a county staff member later corrected that deductibles refresh July 1 on the record. After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the renewal at 9.8%; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote.
Why it matters: Rising medical costs affect both county payroll expense and the out-of-pocket costs borne by employees. Commissioners emphasized they had negotiated with the carrier and are relying on the pooled plan structure with other public entities to help manage volatility.
What’s next: County staff will sign the renewal documents and proceed with enrollment updates and any required notifications to employees.
