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Board reviews employee health plan options; committee recommends modest employee contribution
Summary
Staff presented two renewal options from Florida Blue after an RFP and negotiations. The insurance committee recommended keeping current benefit levels while asking employees to contribute about $26 per paycheck, producing a net county cost increase near 9% versus a 15% renewal without employee contribution.
Suwannee County commissioners reviewed benefit renewal options for 2026 and committee recommendations regarding employee contributions ahead of open enrollment.
Benefits staff and the county’s consultant explained that Florida Blue’s renewal initially produced a roughly 15% increase. Negotiated alternative packages rebased rates and changed deductible and out‑of‑pocket levels across plan types; the committee concluded the fairest option balanced county cost and employee coverage by asking employees to contribute about $26 per paycheck to keep core benefits. "Option 1 was a 15% increase to us," the benefits consultant said as the board assessed alternatives. Staff recommended discussing final selection during the budget workshop and notifying employees of a tentative plan in paycheck communications prior to open enrollment.
Commissioners agreed staff should continue preparations and return with any final changes during upcoming budget workshops so open‑enrollment materials can be posted on schedule.
