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County approves medical, vision and life renewals; tables dental while reviewing network changes
Summary
Pottawattamie County accepted a ~2.45% renewal for medical coverage through IGHCP and approved vision and life plans with a four-year rate guarantee; the county tabled a proposed dental change (12% increase or 9.5% with marketing of voluntary products) pending review of out-of-network payment adjustments.
County human-resources director Jasmine Elmore and benefits consultants reviewed the fiscal year 2026-27 renewal for employee health, dental and ancillary insurance.
Consultants said the county's medical renewal from the Iowa Governmental Health Care Program (IGHCP) came in at about 2.45%, below regional and national trends. They reported the county's partial self-funded account balance and plans to deposit budgeted funds to stabilize reserves.
Dental renewal pressures were higher: MetLife proposed a 12% increase, with an alternative 9.5% renewal if the county allows voluntary marketing of MetLife workplace products; consultants recommended studying a change to out-of-network dental payment levels to reduce disruption and long-term rates. Life and disability coverage carries no change and a negotiated four-year rate guarantee.
Supervisors voted to move forward with medical, vision and life coverage and to table dental until HR and finance complete further analysis of out-of-network adjustments and employee impacts. Presenters said the county will absorb most of the increase while passing a portion (about 11%) to employees as previously budgeted.
Next steps: HR and finance will return with final dental recommendations and the board will consider those adjustments before July 1 implementation.
