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Cocke County to move employee health, dental and vision plans to State Group Insurance Jan. 1, 2026
Summary
The county passed a resolution authorizing termination of its current benefit plans and enrollment in the State Group Health, Dental and Vision plans effective Jan. 1, 2026; the county will pay the full employee premium for full‑time staff under the Standard PPO option.
Cocke County’s legislative body voted Aug. 18 to end its current health, dental and vision insurance plans Dec. 31, 2025, and to enroll employees in the State of Tennessee Group Insurance Plans effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Resolution #1155 directs the county to pay the full premium for the employee portion of the Standard PPO plan for all full‑time employees, with the county mayor authorized to execute the necessary documents. The resolution names the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee (BCBST) Network S and the Cigna Local Plus network as network options under the State program and confirms the county’s intent to cover the employee premium share for full‑time staff.
The change follows a review by the mayor's office and finance staff and is recorded by formal resolution in the Aug. 18 minutes. The resolution allows the county to pursue administrative efficiencies and to align benefits with the State Group Insurance Program; it also notes applicable retiree options will be funded by retirees who elect them through the State program.
County staff will complete administrative enrollment steps and coordinate employee communications before the effective Jan. 1, 2026 date. The County Mayor is authorized to sign enrollment documents and related agreements on behalf of the county.
