Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Dubois County approves 2026 prescription and medical premium changes for employees
Summary
The commissioners approved Proposal 3 for prescription/pharmacy coverage effective Jan. 1, 2026, and adopted a medical premium alternative for 2026 after discussion of wellness participation and spousal coverage.
Dubois County commissioners on Aug. 4, 2025 approved changes to employees’ prescription coverage and medical premium tiers for 2026, following extended discussion of wellness incentives and cost-sharing options.
Human Resources Generalist Markie Rhodes presented multiple prescription/pharmacy options and three proposals for medical premiums and deductibles. For prescription coverage, the board approved Proposal 3 to take effect Jan. 1, 2026; the proposal retained a $5 generic Tier 1 but increased copays and adjusted specialty-tier cost-sharing as presented.
On medical premiums, after debate over wellness versus non-wellness tiers and alternatives, the board approved the #1 Alternative Proposal for monthly premiums and deductibles. Commissioners discussed outstanding items to return to later, including wellness clinic options with Deaconess, spousal wellness participation and secondary coverage data requested by Commissioner Hostetter, and consideration of an emergency-room co-pay due to recent high ER utilization.
The board recorded trends showing rising nationwide costs (hospital services up 256% and medical care services up 138.6% since 2000) and projected the county’s 2026 health insurance spend could approach $5,000,000. Employees will also have the option to participate in an RX Protect program at no cost to the employee.
The commissioners approved the prescription and medical premium actions by unanimous vote.
