Board agrees to prepare resolution to reimburse retirees moved into higher-deductible plan

Miss Merrick explained that, when retiree plans were consolidated in 2026, nine individuals who had been in plan one (no deductibles) were moved to plan two (which includes a $300 deductible), creating out-of-pocket costs for those retirees. "So, I'm asking for your opinion on that and your approval on what to do moving forward on that," she told commissioners and proposed reimbursing those expenses up to the $3,000 out-of-pocket limit for the 2026 plan year.

Commissioners expressed support for honoring promises made to retirees and directed staff to prepare a formal resolution that would authorize retroactive reimbursement for 2026 up to the $3,000 limit per enrollee; one commissioner asked for a resolution rather than a motion vote so the record and timing would be clear. Merrick also presented an alternative plan through the pool with Humana that would save an estimated $18,946 and commissioners said those savings could offset reimbursements if the board proceeds.