Published: June 02, 2009 11:27 am         

Health insurance County faces 21.8 percent increase in premiums

Monticello — Magistrates will try to get an idea what employees prefer in regard to

their health insurance, before making any final decisions on the plan for

the next fiscal year.

Wayne County Fiscal Court heard several details about different health

insurance options for county employees during a special meeting held on

Friday, May 29.

County government is facing a 21.8 percent increase in premiums for the

next fiscal year, if they retain the same plan with Humana. Blue Cross Blue

Shield declined to provide a quote for the county.

Magistrates also looked at options with Assurant Health which includes

an AFLAC rider.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA)

were also discussed as possible options. After looking at the options,

District Three Magistrate Dale Vaughn asked if there was any way to poll

employees to get their thoughts on insurance plans.

County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin said that they could prepare a letter

to explain the different options and then have employees select what plan

they preferred.

The poll could be included with the application for health insurance, so

that it could be completed quickly.

The current health insurance plan will remain in effect through the end

of June, so magistrates will have to make a decision rather quickly, whether

to renew the current coverage or to select a new plan.

Also during Friday's meeting, the court awarded the only bid they

received for grading line equipment to Cumberland Farm Products. Cumberland

Farm Products bid $506 for the material, which is currently located in the

co-op building.

     

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