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Harris County adopts dual-option employee health plan to limit premium shock
Summary
After a market review, the board adopted a recommended dual‑option health insurance plan (base plan plus a buy‑up) expected to produce roughly a 4% net increase to the county’s budgeted health costs; dental, vision and life/disability coverages remain unchanged.
The Harris County Board of Commissioners voted May 19 to adopt a dual‑option employee health plan recommended by John Leggett of MSI Benefits Group. Leggett told the board he led a full market review after Cigna’s prior year renewal and that Anthem initially proposed a 25% increase; market leverage and negotiations reduced that to about 14.19% for Anthem’s best offer. Leggett presented three options and said a $2,000 deductible/80% coinsurance base plan with a buy‑up option would result in roughly a 4% net increase to the county, or about $185,000 in budget impact under current enrollment assumptions.
Leggett said the dual‑option design preserves cost neutrality for the county because the county’s dollar contribution is set to the base plan and employees who choose the buy‑up pay a payroll deduction. He cautioned changing carriers frequently risks instability and noted large individual claims and new expensive therapies as market drivers.
After discussion, Chair (S1) moved to adopt the recommended dual‑option plan effective July 1, with dental, vision and life/disability to remain on the current vendors; Commissioner (S4) seconded and the motion carried by voice/show‑of‑hands vote.
What’s next: staff will implement the plan design changes for the July 1 renewal and communicate employee options and expected payroll deductions.
