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Columbia County adopts modest medical renewal, expands dental and vision buy‑ups for 2027
Summary
County insurance consultant recommended a 5% medical renewal and enhancements to dental and vision buy‑up options; the board approved absorbing the 5% medical increase to hold employee rates and accepted expanded dental/vision offerings.
Ann Edenfeld of Gallagher presented the county’s 2027 benefits renewal, reporting a 72% rolling loss ratio for medical claims and an original medical renewal request near 9.1% that negotiated to about 6% and then to roughly 5% after the dental bid. Gallagher recommended the county absorb the 5% medical increase (an estimated $200,000) so employees would see a rate hold going into 2027.
On dental, Florida Combined Life offered a lower premium and improved benefits; the insurance committee recommended switching from the current carrier to Florida Combined Life and adding richer buy‑up plans. Vision was recommended to remain with the current carrier with a two‑year rate hold and an improved buy‑up that would include progressive lenses.
County staff asked the board to approve the overall benefits package and to authorize the county’s share of the 5% increase to stabilize employee premiums. The board approved the insurance committee’s recommendations by voice vote.
County staff noted the changes reduce pressure on future renewals and that plan design improvements are expected to be largely employee‑paid when employees opt into buy‑up tiers.
