Daviess County approves stop‑loss renewal, raises per‑person stop‑loss to $95,000

Daviess County commissioners on June 9 approved a stop‑loss reinsurance renewal and raised the plan’s per‑person stop‑loss (deductible) from $85,000 to $95,000.

Benefits staff and brokers presented the renewal options, saying many carriers declined to quote and that two competitive offers remained. Amy Davis, who led the presentation, said brokers narrowed the field to Berkshire Hathaway and ProSelect and recommended locking in Berkshire Hathaway at the $95,000 level to secure pricing that expires Friday. Davis said staff projects roughly $2.9 million in plan medical costs for the coming year, though that figure could change.

Commissioners discussed underwriting features brokers called "lasers"—underwriting adjustments that can place a higher claim responsibility on specific members—and a "no‑new‑laser" rider that would cost about $50,000 to purchase. The rider would prevent carriers from adding additional lasers at the next renewal but could allow a premium increase capped at 50 percent. County staff told commissioners that Berkshire was proposing a single large laser on one claimant in its base quote and that carriers underwrite risk using different philosophies.

Commissioner Cook moved to approve the Berkshire Hathaway option with the $95,000 deductible; Commissioner Gabard seconded and the motion passed by voice vote (recorded 3-0). Commissioners and staff noted market conditions are unusually tight and said the board can revisit deductible levels in future renewals.

The board’s action authorizes staff to bind the selected reinsurance option; details such as any purchased riders and exact premium amounts were presented in packet materials and discussed during the meeting.