Wayne County Evaluates Health Insurance Options for Employees

Wayne County, Indiana, is in the process of evaluating two firms to manage its employee health insurance program starting July 1. At a recent commissioners' meeting, Cathy Dunn from Dunn & Associates Benefit Administrators discussed proposals from One80, the current carrier, and IOA Re. The county currently incurs $970,000 in fixed costs with One80, covering up to $150,000 for individual participants before the insurer assumes responsibility.

For renewal, One80 proposes $1,111,000 to maintain the $150,000 individual cap, or $1,014,000 to increase it to $175,000. Dunn suggests that savings under the higher cap may not outweigh the $97,000 cost difference. IOA Re's proposal offers a $1,089,000 premium with a $175,000 individual maximum, providing an aggregate coverage cap of $4.5 million versus One80’s $4.9 million.

Dunn reported that the county health plan holds $688,000 in checking and $2.5 million in reserves. The use of Revive, a telemedicine service, has already saved the county approximately $31,000 in the first quarter. Initiatives like the True Rx generic medication scheme and Canarx, which sources medications internationally, enhance cost efficiency. These efforts were highlighted at the county's April health fair, promoting Canarx's benefits to plan participants.

The county commissioners will decide on June 10 regarding the insurance plan starting July 1, with additional details on employee contributions and out-of-pocket maximums to be determined mid-summer after open enrollment. Additionally, commissioners approved changes to the county's courthouse renovation project, focusing on energy efficiency and public safety upgrades.