County approves renewal of medical plan and stop-loss coverage amid rising claims

The Porter County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 4 approved renewals for the countymedical and prescription drug plans administered by UMR and the countystop-loss policy with Berkeley.

Eric Gibson of High Street Insurance, who told the board his "office is right down the street," presented the renewal and risk details. He said the county is seeing a medical trend of about "12% this year" and that the captive (Berkeley) trend is about "9%," adding that "we currently have 6" members with medical claims exceeding $200,000. Gibson also described the renewal math: total annual stop-loss premium rising from about $1,440,000 to $1,580,000 (a roughly 9.8% increase), annual administration costs inching from $589,000 to $607,000, and blended fixed costs increasing by about 7.8%.

Commissioners asked whether both renewals could be approved together. Commissioner (S3) moved to approve the renewals for both UMR and Berkeley; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The board approved the renewal package as presented; the county will continue to operate as a self-funded plan and monitor high-cost claims and market responses.

The presentation noted expected claims liability increases (from about 9.75% to 10.2% on the underwriterestimate) and a maximum-claims worst-case projection next year of roughly $12.3 million. Gibson said the renewal retains a "no new laser provision" and a rate cap at the next renewal, protections negotiated last year. The board did not amend the contract terms during the meeting and voted to proceed with the recommended renewals.