County staff warns of steep 2026 health insurance renewal; consultants to rebid and model options
June 17, 2025 | Neosho County, Kansas
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Neosho County benefits staff reported an early forecast of a significant health insurance cost increase for the 2026 plan year and outlined next steps for renegotiation and market testing.
During the June 17 work session Anthony, a benefits staff presenter, said recent utilization has driven projected increases and that the county is preparing to go to market. "The 2026 current estimated increase is 35 to 39%, which is about $480,000," he told commissioners. Anthony said Blue Cross’s expected loss ratio with current utilization would be well above the carrier’s target and that the county would examine plan design, deductibles, co-pays and combination options (including bundled dental and vision) to reduce the premium impact.
Staff said they are following a timeline: gather market bids in August, present negotiated options to the commission in early September and begin open enrollment and a wellness fair in October. Anthony noted the county is not set up to be self-funded and will therefore pursue changes within insured markets and plan design rather than a self-funded approach.
No changes were adopted in the work session; staff will return with firm renewal numbers, alternate plan designs and recommendations in August so the commission can decide at the September meeting prior to open enrollment.
During the June 17 work session Anthony, a benefits staff presenter, said recent utilization has driven projected increases and that the county is preparing to go to market. "The 2026 current estimated increase is 35 to 39%, which is about $480,000," he told commissioners. Anthony said Blue Cross’s expected loss ratio with current utilization would be well above the carrier’s target and that the county would examine plan design, deductibles, co-pays and combination options (including bundled dental and vision) to reduce the premium impact.
Staff said they are following a timeline: gather market bids in August, present negotiated options to the commission in early September and begin open enrollment and a wellness fair in October. Anthony noted the county is not set up to be self-funded and will therefore pursue changes within insured markets and plan design rather than a self-funded approach.
No changes were adopted in the work session; staff will return with firm renewal numbers, alternate plan designs and recommendations in August so the commission can decide at the September meeting prior to open enrollment.
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