Marathon County committee begins multi‑phase evaluation of employee health plan ahead of 2027 renewal

A county staff member told the Marathon County Human Resources, Finance and Property Committee that the county is preparing a multi‑phase evaluation of its employee health plan ahead of a formal 2027 renewal, with staff aiming to finalize recommendations with county administration and then present them to the full board.

"We're really talking about two periods of time — we're currently in 2026 and we're preparing and evaluating for our 2027 renewal," the staff member said, outlining a phased approach that begins with a rolling 24‑month data review and proceeds through market testing and a formal RFP process. The presenter said staff will use claims and utilization analysis, benchmarking and a request‑for‑proposal to leverage the market and negotiate the best offers.

On early data the presenter reported that the team’s calculation of medical claims through the first three months of 2026 data came in at just north of 8 percent of revenue, but cautioned this is an initial estimate and that renewal quotes typically start higher before negotiation. "That doesn't mean our GHT renewal is going to come in on top of our number at 8 percent — typically how the game's played is they come in a little bit higher and then we negotiate," the staff member said.

Staff described the evaluation in four phases: (1) claims and utilization review using the rolling 24‑month window; (2) evaluation of funding options and alternatives, including assessing current benefits provided by the county's partner GHT; (3) market testing through an RFP that may solicit both fully insured and self‑insured offers and evaluate third‑party administrators and pharmacy benefit managers; and (4) a recommendation framework centered on long‑term affordability, reserving considerations and alignment with county strategic goals for attraction and retention.

When committee members asked how the committee would interface with county administration on budget assumptions for 2027, staff said they would coordinate closely with county administration — including Lance and the HR team — and provide the best available projections as data are refined. "We'll bring you the best number we have when we have it and we'll build a budget around that budget assumption," one committee speaker said.

Committee members thanked staff for the update and asked for continued coordination as staff work toward an RFP and a final recommendation to the board. No formal action or vote was taken on the health plan at the meeting.

What’s next: staff will continue data analysis, prepare the market solicitation materials, and coordinate with county administration on budget assumptions and timing for any board action.