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Commission approves 2026 Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal; city to absorb 7.5% increase
Summary
City will renew its self-funded Blue Cross Blue Shield plan for 2026 and absorb a 7.5% increase (about $60,482). IMA presenter Jayla highlighted stop-loss costs as the main driver and recommended keeping plan design and employee contributions unchanged.
The Goodland City Commission approved the 2026 renewal of the city's self-funded Blue Cross Blue Shield plan and agreed the city will cover the full 7.5% increase, roughly $60,482 annually.
Jayla with IMA presented the renewal, saying, "The renewal for 2026 came in at a 7.5% increase, which is an annual change of around $60,482." She explained the plan is self-funded with Blue Cross Blue Shield providing administration and stop-loss protection; stop-loss was the largest percentage driver of the renewal, accounting for a 16.1% increase in that component.
Jayla also noted the plan remains grandfathered and carries low pharmacy expenses (about $1 per member per month under the city's current plan), which helps limit overall increases. The recommendation to the commission was to renew medical and dental with no plan-design changes and for the city to absorb the full increase so employees see no rate change.
Commissioners expressed concern about repeated 7%+ increases in recent years and discussed the possibility of introducing employee contributions in future budget cycles, with one commissioner noting any contribution change would require six months' notice. Commissioner Artzer moved to approve the renewal; Commissioner Howard seconded and the motion passed on a roll-call vote.
Staff did not propose changes to the stop-loss deductible or other plan design elements for 2026; commissioners asked staff to consider longer-term strategies before next budgeting cycle.
