Brooke County Commission to see increase in health insurance costs
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WELLSBURG -- The Brooke County Commission, and county employees, are about to take a hit to their budgets as a result of a higher-than-anticipated increase in the county's health insurance rates.
Several employees approached the commission during its meeting Tuesday to express concerns, with some saying it could come down to them deciding whether to seek medical care.
Commission President A.J. Thomas explained, as part of budget preparations in March, the commission anticipated a 10% increase in health insurance costs; however, when contacted by the county's insurance broker, Schwendeman Agency Inc., in May, commissioners were informed of a 54.6% -- or $693,000 -- increase in premiums from its carrier the Health Plan.
"Of course, this was after the budget was already done," Thomas noted.
Following negotiations, which included receiving a bid from Highmark with a 56% premium increase, commissioners say they have a new proposal through the Health Plan with a 41%, or $521,355.36, premium increase.
"We believe we have a direction in which we are going," Thomas said.
Under the new plan, the county will continue to pay 100% of the premium costs, as well as a portion of the deductibles -- $750 for singles and $1,500 for family plans -- but increased deductibles and copays will also see employees paying more.
Deductibles will be increasing from $1,000 to $2,000 for singles, and from $2,000 to $4,000 for double or family plans.
"There were 11 options the Health Plan came back and presented us," explained Commissioner Thomas Diserio, adding the proposal listed as "Option 1" appears to be both the best financially and provide coverage close to the county's current plan.
It also provides programs, such as telehealth, the county feels can be beneficial to employees.
"It's not a good situation. We're not trying to sugarcoat it," Thomas noted. "None of us are holding our heads up high about this."
As the issue was not a formal part of Tuesday's agenda, no action could be taken by the commission, but Thomas said a formal approval for the health insurance must be held before the end of the month.
A $2 an hour pay increase for county employees will be unaffected.
In other business, Tuesday, the commissioners:
• Tabled a bid from Borden Office Equipment to provide furniture for the county Judicial Center;
• Approved a contract for $4,500 with Claytor Enterprises Inc. to prepare the 2023 financial statement and asset list to update the county's Capital Asset Policy;
• Tabled a request from county Assessor Tom Oughton to hire an individual for summer help;
• Tabled a request from the Brooke County Commission on Aging for $20,000 to assist with the Brooke-Hancock Nutrition Program and in upgrading its vehicles;
• Took no action on a request from Weirton City Manager Mike Adams, who is seeking an agreement with the county to jointly conduct the city's election;
• Approved a series of in-house budget transfers and a $23,000 budget revision;
• Announced the Brooke County Solid Waste Authority is planning an electronic recycling event from Sept. 23;
• Approved the appointment of Donna Sullivan and the re-appointment of Bobbie Elliott and Garry Stephen to the Brooke County Museum Board;
• Took no action on a funding request from Weirton Transit Corp. and
• Set its next meeting for 9 a.m., June 21.