York County hears NACO Benefits presentation on health plan options, employee tools

Mike Bowden and Judd Allen of NACO Benefit Services presented employee-benefit options to the York County Board of Commissioners during the board's Sept. 30 meeting, outlining a pool administered with Blue Cross Blue Shield and other services county officials could use before January renewals.

The presentation came as the county prepares for the next budget cycle and has budgeted about $1,250,000 for insurance. The presenters described the NACO health insurance pool as a rate-stabilizing option that blends claims experience across multiple public entities and provides administrative support tied to county needs.

"If it makes sense, that's great. If it doesn't, at least you know, that that you're you're in a good spot," Mike Bowden said, urging the county to consider a proposal so officials can compare costs.

Bowden described key features of the NACO pool: blended experience across roughly 5,000 members, a reserve fund (RSR) that can offset future increases, and a tiered cap on annual rate changes that limits the size of a single-year increase. He said the pool is governed by a board of public-sector peers and can include life, dental, vision and disability benefits in bundled proposals.

Bowden also outlined a cash-in-lieu option that would pay employees a stipend if they already have other coverage. "A lot of the counties we work with will ... pay 100% single coverage. If the employee is on their spouse's plan, that might be double coverage," he said, describing cash-in-lieu as a recruitment and retention tool.

Judd Allen emphasized quick turnaround for proposals and noted the county's renewal period. "We can turn it around pretty quick," Allen said, referencing the county's January renewal timeline and the typical November deadline for finalizing open-enrollment decisions.

The presenters described a newer service, Savvy, to help public employees navigate public-service student-loan forgiveness programs, and said Savvy assistance is available at no cost. Bowden said the pool can be competitive, but NACO will also solicit bids outside the pool (UnitedHealthcare, Medica, others) because market competitiveness varies by ZIP code.

Commissioners discussed timing: the county takes January premiums from December payroll, so changes and open-enrollment decisions should be finalized in November. Board members also discussed meeting with county staff and the local agent to provide a census and pursue pricing options.

Board action: the presentation was informational; no formal procurement decision was made at the meeting. County staff were asked to coordinate follow-up meetings with NACO representatives and the county clerk's office to review census data and plan timing for enrollment decisions.

Ending: The county will continue insurance planning with its local agent and invited NACO to provide a written proposal for comparison before the November/December scheduling window.