Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Government Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
McDonald County Commission raises its health-plan contribution to $716 per premium
Summary
On Oct. 6, 2025, McDonald County commissioners unanimously approved a 7% increase in the county's contribution for employee medical plans, raising the contribution from $669.31 to $716 per premium after insurers proposed a 6.5% rate increase; virtual care and mental-health services will be added to plans.
On Oct. 6, 2025, the McDonald County Commission voted unanimously to raise the county's contribution toward employee medical premiums to $716 per plan.
County Clerk Jessica Cole told commissioners that insurance carriers proposed a 6.5% premium increase for the 2026 medical year and that the plans will add Ally Health virtual-care options including mental-health services. Commissioners reviewed the county's current contribution level of $669.31 per plan and discussed whether to increase the county share to help employees cover higher premiums.
Eastern Commissioner Jamey Cope moved to raise county contributions by an additional 7% and Western Commissioner Rick Lett seconded the motion. The motion carried with all commissioners voting in favor; the commission recorded the new contribution as $716 per premium. The commission also decided to continue the wellness incentive for the 2026 medical year.
Clerk Cole said the 6.5% rate increase compares favorably with what she described as typical increases of 18% to 32% seen in recent renewal cycles. Commissioners indicated they will notify county employees about the change and the wellness-incentive continuation.
No additional funding details or changes to plan design were specified in the meeting minutes. The commission took the vote during the Oct. 6 session and did not record any amendment to the motion.
