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York County explores defined-contribution plan as insurers bid higher; decision set for Nov. 26
Summary
Facing insurer withdrawals and rate pressure, York County’s insurance committee is considering shifting to a defined-contribution model that fixes the county’s monthly contribution per coverage tier and gives employees more plan choice; the board asked staff for numbers ahead of a Nov. 26 decision required to meet payroll-deduction timing.
York County commissioners spent a substantial portion of their Nov. 12 meeting reviewing employee health-insurance options after an insurance committee reported a difficult renewal season.
The county received no bids from Allstate and UnitedHealthcare; Blue Cross Blue Shield submitted a higher bid, while Medica offered a narrow-network option that would either limit or include CHI providers. The insurance committee and county staff told the board that to preserve choice while controlling county costs they are considering moving from a defined-benefit approach to a defined-contribution model, in which the county sets a fixed monthly contribution by coverage tier and employees choose plans that fit within that contribution.
County staff provided example numbers (for modeling only): a $1,000-per-employee contribution for single coverage or higher amounts for family tiers; using current census figures (86 total employees, 23 eligible to enroll), a $1,000-per-employee contribution produced budgeted figures roughly in line with the county’s current health-insurance line. Committee members said the conversation is preliminary and that the insurance committee will meet again on Friday to refine options.
Commissioners discussed timing: the county’s payroll-deduction schedule requires an enrollment decision in November so deductions can begin in December. The board asked staff to refine contribution proposals and plan options and return with recommendations at the Nov. 26 meeting.
What’s next: The insurance committee will meet to finalize proposals; the board expects to act at its Nov. 26 meeting so payroll deductions can be set for December.
