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Commissioners approve CareFirst renewal despite 16.6% rate increase; county to budget for higher costs
Summary
The county's health-benefits committee recommended continuing with CareFirst; staff said medical and pharmacy premiums rose 16.6 (about $5.7 million across entities). Commissioners approved the renewal and urged budgeting to offset employee impacts.
Worcester County Commissioners voted April 7 to accept the health benefits committee's recommendation to renew medical, pharmacy and dental coverage with CareFirst for fiscal year 2027.
Staff told the commissioners that CareFirst's combined medical and pharmacy renewal represents an increase of 16.6 percent, amounting to approximately $5.7 million across the county government, board of education and commission on aging. Dental and vision plans were discussed separately: dental (also with CareFirst) carried a smaller increase and vision coverage with VSP was in a rate-guarantee period with no change. Staff also reported a modest decrease in life-insurance/long-term-disability costs from a different carrier (Guardian).
Commissioners emphasized that the projected increase must be addressed during upcoming budget deliberations so employees are not left worse off by higher premiums. One commissioner moved and another seconded approval of the recommended carriers; the motion passed with no recorded opposition.
Staff said detailed rate tables are available and will be provided to commissioners; dental and vision rates were not included in the public memo but were available on request. The board asked staff to reflect anticipated health premium increases when considering wages and budget planning.
The action sets the county's benefit carriers for the coming plan year; final calendar-year changes for Medicare Advantage and other retiree plans will be negotiated later in the year.
