Commissioners table decision on employee health-insurance renewal after broker presents 9.9% renewal

An insurance consultant identified as Andrew presented the county's employee health-insurance renewal options and described a structure that uses a $3,000 "difference card" to reduce employees' effective out-of-pocket exposure. "Bottom line is, you know, 9.9 is kind of where we're looking at for the renewal this year," the presenter said, explaining the figure represents the negotiated renewal after market outreach.

Andrew explained how the difference card works: the county would give employees a $3,000 benefit that pays toward the deductible so the employee's plan effectively begins at a lower deductible level; administrative fees and a four-tier rate structure are built into the proposal. Commissioners asked about dental and vision (which are separate) and how many employees are covered (the renewal paperwork used 42 as the baseline; staff estimated active enrollment nearer to 38). A motion to table the decision until the next meeting was made, seconded and approved; staff will collect alternate bids from other carriers (Anthem, Cigna, Guardian) and provide detailed dental/vision pricing before returning for a final vote.