Finance committee backs higher county contribution for employee health coverage, selects BC/BS plans

The DeWitt County Finance Committee voted May 18 to recommend that the full county board increase the county's monthly contribution toward employee health insurance from $740 to $875 and to offer three Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) plan options.

Mike Johnson of BPA Troxel Benefits told the committee that BC/BS renewal rates were "just under 19%" higher and that UnitedHealthcare's submitted quote exceeded BC/BS renewal pricing. He said the county must offer at least one plan that meets the Affordable Care Act's affordability test, which Johnson presented as an employee share of up to $265 per month.

Dee Rentmeister, county administrator, reviewed detailed plan matrices showing deductibles, coinsurance, office-visit copays and prescription tiers and presented revised contribution figures. Under the $875 employer contribution scenario, staff estimated a monthly employer expense of about $40,250 and an annual employer cost around $483,000.

Committee member Megan Myers argued the larger county contribution was needed "to keep employees from looking for other jobs with better health benefits." Chair Melonie Tilley noted that insurance and retirement eligibility rules hinge on hours worked and asked for clarity on who would qualify for employer-provided coverage.

A motion by Terry Ferguson, seconded by Claro Carter, to recommend the $875 monthly contribution and to offer three BC/BS plans passed on a voice vote. The recommendation will go to the full DeWitt County board for final approval.