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Commissioners split 3–2 to adopt Plan 1200 Option 1 for county employee health insurance
Summary
After debating premiums, deductibles and employee impacts, the court voted 3–2 to switch to Plan 1200 Option 1 for 2027, a compromise intended to limit premium increases while raising the deductible for some employees.
Brewster County commissioners voted 3–2 on June 23 to adopt Plan 1200 Option 1 for the county’s employee health insurance renewal effective for the 2027 plan year.
County staff and the treasurer reviewed the plan trade‑offs: the current Plan 1100 has a $750 deductible and would increase the county’s annual cost by roughly $35,000 if retained, while Plan 1200 would raise some employees’ deductibles but hold premiums closer to current rates and would increase county cost by approximately $3,100. The treasurer reported the plan renewal decision is time‑sensitive and must be signed by next week.
The County Judge argued for Plan 1200 as a middle ground: "I think we ought to go with plan 1,200," the judge said, emphasizing balancing taxpayer stewardship and employee burden. Opponents cautioned that higher deductibles could result in greater out‑of‑pocket costs for employees; one commissioner noted prior experience with denied claims and unexpected out‑of‑pocket expenses under other plans.
After discussion the court voted to adopt Plan 1200 Option 1. The tally recorded at the meeting was 3 in favor and 2 opposed. Commissioners directed staff to finalize the contract and provide details to employees about deductible and premium implications.
