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Kearney County approves vision coverage, keeps $500 deductible buy-down as Blue Cross rates rise 4.68%
Summary
On May 19 the Kearney County Board of Commissioners approved adding vision insurance for employees, retained a $500 deductible buy-down with county-paid employee coverage and 75% dependent coverage, after NACO presented a 4.68% Blue Cross rate increase for FY26/27.
The Kearney County Board of Commissioners on May 19 approved adding vision insurance to the county’s employee benefits package and retained an existing $500 deductible buy-down after receiving a rate update from the Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO).
Mike Boden of NACO presented the proposed FY26/27 Blue Cross rate changes, reporting a 4.68% increase in health insurance premiums and no change to dental premiums. After the presentation, the board voted to add vision coverage, keep the $500 deductible buy-down, and maintain cash-in-lieu at $500 per month. The county will pay 100% of employee premiums and 75% of dependent premiums under the adopted structure.
The decision follows NACO’s rate update and is recorded in the board minutes; the county did not provide a projected dollar estimate for the total annual budgetary impact in the meeting record. The action was recorded as approved during the May 19 session and will take effect under the county’s administrative implementation process for employee benefits.
