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Board hears NFP presentation on health‑plan renewal; commissioners weigh Surist alternative
Summary
NFP representatives told commissioners Blue Cross renewal proposals showed an 18.1% increase this year; NFP presented UnitedHealthcare alternatives (including a 'Surist' copay‑based plan that removes deductibles and shows member costs in an app). Commissioners asked about denials, provider networks and vision options and said officials would review the options.
NFP representatives Robyn Setzer and Thad Ledford presented health‑insurance renewal options to the board during the May 11 meeting. Ledford reported the county experienced a 9% renewal increase the previous year and faces an 18.1% increase on the current Blue Cross renewal. NFP proposed alternatives, including UnitedHealthcare plan designs and a consumer‑facing 'Surist' option that eliminates the deductible and coinsurance in favor of predictable copays and an app that shows exact out‑of‑pocket costs and provider quality metrics before care is received.
Ledford explained how the Surist plan’s copay‑and‑shopping model would let employees compare providers and facilities and see cost estimates and copays in‑app; he gave examples distinguishing traditional deductible coverage from Surist copays for surgeries and emergency care. Setzer said the Surist app shows expected copays and allows patients to 'shop' for lower‑cost providers. Commissioners pressed NFP on provider network gaps: Ledford said moving to United would not include certain in‑area providers in network, and that Community Care was not an option because many local providers are not in that network. Commissioners also raised concerns about prior‑authorization denials and surprise billing; Ledford described claims‑filing processes and said the Surist model reduces surprise out‑of‑pocket costs while noting facility billing practices could still require coordination on payment plans.
No formal action was taken; officials said they would review the proposals and return to the item for a decision.
Provenance: Presentation and discussion recorded in meeting minutes (NFP presenters' remarks in the transcript).
