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Nelson County adopts FY26 health insurance renewal with no premium increase
Summary
The Board approved the FY26 Local Choice health insurance renewal with a 0% premium change and established plan rates for active employees and retirees, continuing existing Anthem plan options and a high-deductible plan.
Nelson County’s Board of Supervisors on March 11 adopted the county’s FY26 health insurance renewal and established employee and retiree rates after staff reported a zero percent premium adjustment from Local Choice.
County Administrator Candice W. McGarry said the Local Choice analysis showed anticipated income and expenses for the plan year (July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026) would both be about $1.6 million, producing a 0% rate change. The County will continue offering Key Advantage 250 and Key Advantage 500 plans and a high-deductible health plan paired with a health savings account; the Advantage 65 retiree Medicare plan (which includes dental and vision) also remains available. Staff reported 119 individuals were included in the renewal analysis and that 151 employees were eligible, representing 77% participation as of March 10.
Dr. Jessica L. Ligon asked why take-up of the high-deductible plan was low; McGarry said lack of familiarity with health savings accounts and small rate differentials likely contributed and recommended employee education. Supervisor Dr. Ligon moved to adopt Resolution R2025-16 establishing the FY26 health insurance renewal and rates; Supervisor J. David Parr seconded the motion and the Board approved it by roll call vote (4–0).
The resolution sets the employee and county contributions for single, dual and family coverage under the listed plan tiers and the retiree Medicare plan rate of $218. McGarry indicated the County’s premium income is sufficient to meet expected plan expenses through June 30, 2026.
