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Board votes to opt out of PA 152 and adopts BlueCare Network plan for employees
Summary
Following a consultant presentation, Clare County voted to opt out of PA 152 and approved a Blue Care Network (Blue Cross Blue Shield) plan; staff said the proposed changes lower the insurer's initial renewal estimate and set a $19.22 biweekly employee cost share for single coverage.
A benefits consultant presented a side-by-side comparison of the county's existing plans and proposed Blue Care Network options, explaining the trade-offs between coinsurance, deductibles and out‑of‑pocket maximums. The consultant said she had negotiated multiple rate sets and that the recommended changes reduce an earlier projected 18% increase to an estimated 12% increase versus current employer costs.
"With these changes, we've gotten it down to a 12% increase," the consultant said, summarizing the net effect of plan adjustments. She explained the recommended HMO would keep a $250 deductible and 0% coinsurance for many services while some copays would rise (for example, office visits from $10 to $20 and specialists from $20 to $40). She also described an HSA option with a $1,700 single deductible and employer seed contributions if employees choose it.
After discussion, the board moved to opt out of PA 152 and approved that motion by roll call. The board then approved the Blue Care Network plan as presented and directed Human Resources to begin implementation and employee notifications.
The consultant noted the carrier offered a rate guarantee that limits next-year increase assumptions and that a per-employee credit would appear later as a lump-sum offset on billing.
