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Polk County to offer open enrollment with new carrier after hundreds of employee life-insurance applications were denied
Summary
County HR reported that of 76 employees previously covered in 2025, only 13 were approved under the new voluntary life carrier; the court approved proceeding with an open enrollment through Higginbotham/Hartford and discussed reimbursing employees for premiums collected since October.
County staff told the court that a transition in voluntary life insurance carriers created coverage gaps for employees and that immediate remediation was necessary.
"Of the 76 employees covered in 2025, only 13 were approved under the new carrier, while 36 were denied, 21 did not reapply, and 6 applications are still pending," the chair said while explaining the committee's review of options. The committee recommended an open enrollment through Higginbotham to Hartford that would waive evidence of insurability and allow guaranteed issuance with coverage up to $200,000.
An HR representative (identified in the meeting as James) said Higginbotham would be about "10 cents per thousand" cheaper and noted Hartford offers a rider providing a double payout for law enforcement or first responders who die in the line of duty. Court members discussed prompt repayment of premiums that had been withheld from employees since October and approved proceeding with the recommended open enrollment and reimbursement process.
The court asked staff to ensure the repayment process is handled correctly with regard to taxes and timing and to return with specifics as needed.
