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County reviews OPEH&W health‑insurance options after presentation from trust representative
Summary
Representatives from OPEH&W presented several plan options and rate history; commissioners asked about retiree access, provider continuity and recent assessments. The trust reported a 9% adjustment from Blue Cross and said the 'tungsten' plan most closely matches the county’s current coverage.
Representatives of the OPEH&W interlocal health trust briefed the Pittsburg County commissioners on May 18 about employee health‑insurance options for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.
David Morgan, presenting for OPEH&W, said the trust received a 9% adjustment from Blue Cross this year and that the tungsten plan is the closest match to Pittsburg County’s current coverage. Morgan reviewed plan designs, premiums, copays, deductibles, the prescription deductible approach, and the trust’s provider network, which he said includes "over 200 providers across the state." He also described free member programs offered by the trust, such as virtual primary care, behavioral‑health resources and imaging services negotiated under the plan.
Commissioners asked several operational questions. Chairman Ross Selman asked whether members would lose providers if the county switched plans; Morgan said members would be able to keep the same providers under the proposed options. County Clerk Hope Trammell raised concerns about prior large assessments; Morgan said the trust has done three special assessments in roughly 35 years and that a new pharmacy‑benefits manager has been engaged to stabilize prescription coverage. Commissioner Charlie Rogers asked whether retirees could select different plan options; Morgan said retirees could choose which option they want if the county adopts the trust.
Commissioner Mike Haynes said the board will compare all options before making a decision. Morgan said OPEH&W would prepare a comparison of the plans for the county and aimed to have it ready quickly for the board’s review.
Why this matters: The county’s choice of health plan affects employee benefits, retiree options and the county’s budget. Commissioners requested more detail and plan comparisons before making any changes.
