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Gallagher says Liberty's medical renewal comes in around 6%; district faces ~$193,000 added cost
Summary
Gallagher Benefits told the board that medical-plan renewal rates are approximately 6% for the district, below national medical trends but still adding roughly $193,000 to the district's active-employee costs; retiree premiums rose more but are paid by retirees.
John Hatz, area vice president with Gallagher Benefits, presented the district's 2026-27 benefits renewal to the board on April 13.
Hatz said the district's medical renewal came in at about 6%, which he described as "still large" but below the industry trend, and attributed the district's increase in part to a group loss ratio near 103% (meaning about $103 in claims for every $100 in premium). He told the board the retiree pool faces a larger increase (about 19.9%), but noted retirees pay their premiums separately so that increase does not add to district costs.
Hatz confirmed there are no benefit-level changes to medical or dental plans this year and that dental remains in a rate guarantee through June 30, 2027. He said vision rates will increase about 4% and some voluntary or administrative fees are unchanged.
District staff and board members asked clarifying questions about the $193,000 estimated district cost for active employees and whether the retiree increase affects district budgeting (it does not; retirees pay 100%). Board members said they will factor the renewal into upcoming FY27 budget discussions.
No formal vote was recorded on the renewal at the meeting; the presentation was informational for budget planning.
