County likely to offer employees various insurance options as cost to be substantially higher

YORK – York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier said the county’s insurance committee – upon knowing health insurance costs will likely be 20% higher – has been looking at offering six different policy options for employees instead of just a standard package as has been in the past.

​“One thing is that the insurance committee membership was expanded this year, in order to have representatives from different departments,” Obermier said. “We are finding that last year, we had a bad year, as far as claims. Because of having a bad year of many claims, we are seeing a 20% increase in cost. The insurance committee will meet again to look at what we get in this week (as far as offers from companies).”
He said the current carrier, Medica, came back with the 20% increase with a “narrowed network.” Two companies weren’t interested in working with the county. And Obermier said Blue Cross Blue Shield submitted a bid that came in higher than that from Medica.
“So we talked about if Medica was the one we go with, we would have the traditional option and then employees would also have six plans to choose from,” Obermier explained. “We would define the county contribution.”
For example, the county would contribute a certain amount for each single employee and a certain amount for a family policy. “And then employees would be empowered to choose which plan they want to go with and they would make up the difference (after the county contribution) based on what they want. Our census right now shows we have 86 employees taking health insurance while there are 23 who are eligible but do not take the county insurance. Those numbers could change,” Obermier continued.
He said if the county offered $1,000 for per employee and $2,000 per family, that would fall within the county’s budgeted figure of $1.5 million for employee health insurance.
“I think the direction the committee is moving in is a good one,” said Commissioner Daniel Grotz.
Obermier said they will act on the insurance matter at their next meeting, held on Nov. 26. After the insurance plan is approved, there will be extensive education regarding the offerings for employees.