County offers voluntary air-transport membership to employees via payroll deduction

Brewster County commissioners voted Jan. 27 to make an air-transport membership available to county employees through voluntary payroll deduction after a presentation by Samuel Rivera, an AirMed representative.

Rivera told the court the membership reduces financial exposure when a patient requires aeromedical transport and that, for members, “it eliminates exposure financially and the burden of the cost for our families and friends who need inpatient health care.” Commissioners discussed whether the county would subsidize memberships now or wait until the 2027 budget process; the court agreed to offer the option to employees at their own expense and to revisit county-funded coverage during budget season.

County Judge presented the motion to offer the membership via payroll deduction; commissioners agreed the program should be optional and that employees who want coverage may enroll. Rivera also described a payroll-deduction grace period and said multi-year term options exist, though he noted pricing has increased since the prior offer. The presenter summarized program features, including return flights for discharged patients and household coverage for residents living with a member.

The court did not commit county funds this year. Judge said payroll-deduction administration will be handled through HR and that the county will evaluate the budgetary impact later. The court approved offering the program to employees by voluntary payroll deduction and directed staff to coordinate enrollment details.