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DeKalb committee approves flat Medicare retiree renewal for most members after pharmacy change
Summary
County staff negotiated changes that avoid an $800,000+ increase for Medicare retirees by moving Aetna participants to a CVS Caremark pharmacy benefit and holding the Aetna gross rate flat at $223.64 per month; Kaiser participants face a proposed 6% increase. Committee approved the renewal rates for roughly 2,800 Medicare retirees.
County benefits staff presented renewal rates for the Medicare retiree group (about 2,800 members), asking the committee to approve 01/01/2026 gross rates.
Presenter Mr. Jacobs said a projected increase of more than $800,000 was avoided by changing the pharmacy benefit for Aetna participants to a self-insured CVS Caremark administration. "We were able to have a flat renewal for our Medicare participants, so their rate of $223.64 per month would not increase," he said. The presenter added that about 800 retirees are in the Kaiser plan, where Kaiser proposed a roughly 6% increase to its gross rate.
Staff noted the gross rate is what the county pays; member premiums differ (the packet listed member monthly contributions of $93.84 for Aetna and $93.60 for Kaiser). Commissioners voted to approve the renewal rates.
What happens next
Procurement and benefits staff will implement the pharmacy benefit transition for Aetna participants, notify affected retirees of any administrative changes, and monitor plan enrollment and costs.
