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Commissioners weigh pharmacy benefits, deductibles and network differences between JPT and Mako
Summary
Commissioners compared JPT and Mako on prescriptions, deductibles, vision and network access; materials cited average annual rate increases (JPT ~8.33%, Mako ~6.52%) and differences in how quickly members reach out-of-pocket limits.
Commissioners spent substantive time comparing two proposals: the in-state Joint Powers Trust (JPT) plan and Mako, a nationwide underwriter. Committee member (S4) told the commission that Makos pharmacy approach and deductible-waiver design "pulls ahead" for some users, while JPT bundles more vision benefits into the medical premium and historically serves the regional network.
S4 referenced carrier averages in the circulated materials, saying JPTs average annual increase was about "8.33" while Makos was about "6.52," and cautioned commissioners to balance short-term premium advantages against the risk of later adjustments once a carrier has the countys claims history. The board discussed network access to referral centers (Mayo Clinic, Billings Clinic and Saint Vincents) and how out-of-state care would be handled.
