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Board approves 20% increase in county contribution to self-funded health insurance
Summary
Woodbury County supervisors voted 4-0 to raise the county's contribution to the self-funded health insurance fund by 20% effective Dec. 1, 2025, citing a projected shortfall; board discussion addressed actuarial retiree/COBRA rates and the plan to spread incremental payments to avoid a lump-sum hit.
The Woodbury County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to increase the county's contribution to its self-funded health insurance plan by 20%, effective Dec. 1, 2025.
Chair read the fiscal background from the agenda, noting that "in fiscal year 25, 725,000 was needed to be transferred from the general supplement fund to the self health insurance fund to bring it to the minimum level required by Iowa code." Supervisors were told current estimated shortfalls range "in the range of 460,000 to over $1,000,000." The board approved the change by voice vote, recorded as 4-0.
During discussion, one supervisor explained the staff recommendation to phase increases rather than make a large year-end payment: "And, essentially, what he's trying to do is if we have a shortfall at the end in June, he would rather make little increments now and then avoid a big lump sum payment at the end," the supervisor said. The board said the phased approach would provide a cushion if estimates prove conservative and could be revisited during the June budget review.
Human-resources staff raised concerns about how the change interacts with previously approved increases for employees and with retiree and COBRA premiums. "So I'd like to make that clear. So is it an additional 20%?" the HR representative asked during the discussion. County staff clarified that retiree and COBRA rates will be set annually according to actuarial suggestions from Wellmark, and that the county contribution change addresses the employer portion to reduce the risk of a large shortfall.
The motion to approve the recommendation was moved and seconded and passed 4-0. Supervisors said they will review fund levels during the June budget process and adjust if needed.
