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Caroline County to absorb medical premium increase and switch to Delta Dental for 2026–27 benefits
Summary
The Board approved absorbing an 11.5% medical insurance increase (estimated $667,000 County impact) and switched dental coverage to Delta Dental with expanded benefits and net cost savings, motions passed unanimously on Jan. 13.
The Caroline County Board of Supervisors voted on Jan. 13 to absorb a projected 11.5% increase in medical insurance premiums for the 2026–27 plan year, a move the county's benefits consultant said would cost an estimated $667,000 to the County. Supervisor Floyd W. Thomas moved to approve Option 1, under which the County covers the full increase rather than shifting costs to employees; the motion passed unanimously.
On dental coverage, the Board approved switching to Delta Dental with enhancements that raise the annual benefit maximum from $1,250 to $2,000, increase the orthodontia lifetime maximum and add adult orthodontia coverage. County staff reported that Delta Dental represents a cost decrease of roughly $19,000 compared with the Anthem alternative (which staff said would have increased costs by about $62,000–$63,000). Open enrollment is scheduled for Feb. 4–17.
Board members voiced employee-protective rationales for covering the medical increase, noting that forcing employee contributions would amount to a pay cut; fiscal impacts to taxpayers were also acknowledged. The motions carried by unanimous votes.
