County to consider BridgerCare MOU, immunization task order and small boost to employee health contribution

The Anaconda Deer Lodge County health department presented three budget items at the commission meeting: a memorandum of understanding with BridgerCare to pilot a pregnancy‑prevention education program, a state immunization task order, and a requested increase in the county's monthly health‑insurance contribution for employees.

A health department representative described the BridgerCare MOU as a pilot called “Plan A,” which provides pregnancy‑prevention education for clinic patients ages 15–24 and brings $20,780 in supplemental funding tied to the county’s Title X family‑planning grant. The same staff member said the county will also receive $6,302 this fiscal year under an immunization task order within the state Department of Public Health and Human Services master contract. “That is in addition to the Title X funds that we received,” the health department representative said about the BridgerCare funds.

Separately, CEO Everett requested the commission increase its monthly health‑insurance contribution to employees from $950 to $1,000 to offset this year’s increase in premiums; Everett told the board the rise was “in excess of 8%” and that the change needed to be made before a July 1 policy effective date. A commissioner expressed support for the $50‑per‑month increase, noting state employees had been receiving higher contributions.

The commission placed the BridgerCare MOU, immunization task order and the employee‑contribution request on the agenda for formal action at a later meeting.