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County staff brief commissioners on 14.65% Blue Cross premium increase
Summary
Lincoln County staff presented an initial Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal showing a 14.65% premium increase. Payroll clerk Heidi Miller and county staff walked commissioners through plan comparisons and HSA options; Mako representatives are expected at the May 11 meeting for further discussion.
County staff gave commissioners an initial briefing on the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance renewal during the May 4 meeting, reporting a proposed 14.65% increase in premiums.
Becky introduced the packet as a first look and said she had only recently received the details. Payroll clerk Heidi Miller summarized spreadsheet comparisons showing current plan totals, proposed premiums and the effect of introducing a $3,500 HSA option. Miller noted the county’s current total monthly premium of $248,001.61 and showed a scenario in the materials that increases that amount by about $35,000 monthly under one configuration. "They're not as bad as they could be," Miller said of the renewal figures.
Staff discussed the role of the county’s pool (NACO) in moderating large year-to-year swings and explained underwriting limitations that make offering two HSA options administratively challenging mid-year. Commissioners and staff agreed the information was for review; representatives from Mako are expected to attend the May 11 meeting to present details and answer questions.
No formal action was taken at the May 4 meeting; staff said the committee charged with benefits matters had not yet met to take further steps.
