Chase County approves 2024–25 BCBS enrollment and raises cash-in-lieu payment to $400

During the May 14 meeting, commissioners reviewed and approved enrollment in the county's NACO health and dental pool with Blue Cross Blue Shield for the 2024–25 plan year. County staff reported a 3.5% increase in the county's health insurance rate for the coming plan year; the dental rate remains unchanged. The board voted to approve the BCBS application on a motion from Commissioner Bernhardt, seconded by Commissioner Muehlenkamp; the motion carried unanimously.

The board also reviewed Resolution #17-22, which governs a monthly cash-in-lieu payment option for employees and elected officials who decline group medical insurance. Commissioners voted to raise the single monthly cash option from $350 (in effect since 2018) to $400 per month, effective July 1, 2024. The motion to increase the payment was seconded and carried unanimously.

Additionally, the board signed a letter of support for the Western Republican River Basin Riparian Habitat Improvement Project and approved meeting minutes from April 23, 2024. The minutes record routine approvals and do not list further procedural deadlines for the insurance enrollment or the cash-in-lieu adjustment.