Commissioners keep employee premium contributions steady, approve one-year identity-theft protection for employees

DeKalb County Commissioners on March 30 agreed to keep employee paycheck health-premium contributions at the same dollar amounts as the prior year while the county will absorb any premium-equivalent increases for 2026–27.

Benefits staff presented premium-equivalent worksheets showing a roughly 2.2% increase in premium equivalents and reviewed a wellness-incentive structure that can reduce employee share if participants meet wellness criteria. After discussion of benchmarking and pharmacy rebate improvements, commissioners voted 3–0 to maintain employee paycheck deductions at the same dollar amounts as last year; the county will cover the additional premium costs for 2026–27.

Commissioners also discussed an identity-theft protection product (MetLife/Aura) in light of a recent county data breach. The benefits consultant presented employer-paid pricing at about $3.50 per employee per month and a projected annual employer cost of roughly $10,500 (assuming ~250 eligible employees). After discussion about existing breach coverage and timing, the board approved a one-year, county-paid identity-theft protection plan for employees beginning July 1, 2026; motion carried 3–0.

Staff said enrollment materials and onboarding information will be provided to employees during open enrollment and that the program will be reviewed after one year.

Next steps: benefits staff will update the premium-equivalent worksheet with final employee counts, publish materials for staff and proceed with vendor onboarding for the identity-theft program starting July 1.