Commissioners review health insurance quotes
August 31, 2022 at 6:41 p.m.
Union County Commissioners reviewed municipal employee health insurance quotes at their Aug. 19 meeting.
Commissioners reviewed two quotes; incumbent EPIC insurance presented first. EPIC employee benefits advisor Jenny Kress explained she looked at new options to reduce costs after discussions at the commissioners' previous meeting. They crunched the data, comparing the county with other employers, both private and municipal; with Union County's employee contributions and deductibles were well below the state averages.
Kress suggested commissioners consider requiring an annual screening for all employees to encourage preventative health measures. Failure to comply would result in higher premiums. The potential for cost increases in the future could be offset by a healthier plan group. Union County Council president Trisha Persinger inquired how the higher premiums would be determined. Kress replied employees could be required to schedule a wellness screening and lab work within the first 60 days of the plan year;, anyone not compliant after 60 days would see a premium increase.
Kress provided quotes to commissioners, based on different deductible amounts, and offered to have the plans recalculated with the inclusion of a wellness screening program.
VanVleet Insurance vice-president of health and life sales Kyle Zajdel followed with his presentation, calling on VanVleet's reputation in the community and connection with Union County's employees. Zajdel presented estimates based on the best knowledge available, but promised more accurate quotes if he were able to get updated data, which Kress agreed to provide. Commissioners tabled the matter until the next meeting.
Also discussed:
-Union County Public Transit director Trisha Persinger provided a report to commissioners. A sixth driver has been hired, but the department is still in need of drivers as ridership continues to stay strong.
-Union County special projects coordinator Olivia Chewning reported fundraising efforts for The Grove Park at West College Corner have yielded $105,000 and construction is beginning soon.
Latest News
E-Editions
Events
Union County Commissioners reviewed municipal employee health insurance quotes at their Aug. 19 meeting.
Commissioners reviewed two quotes; incumbent EPIC insurance presented first. EPIC employee benefits advisor Jenny Kress explained she looked at new options to reduce costs after discussions at the commissioners' previous meeting. They crunched the data, comparing the county with other employers, both private and municipal; with Union County's employee contributions and deductibles were well below the state averages.
Kress suggested commissioners consider requiring an annual screening for all employees to encourage preventative health measures. Failure to comply would result in higher premiums. The potential for cost increases in the future could be offset by a healthier plan group. Union County Council president Trisha Persinger inquired how the higher premiums would be determined. Kress replied employees could be required to schedule a wellness screening and lab work within the first 60 days of the plan year;, anyone not compliant after 60 days would see a premium increase.
Kress provided quotes to commissioners, based on different deductible amounts, and offered to have the plans recalculated with the inclusion of a wellness screening program.
VanVleet Insurance vice-president of health and life sales Kyle Zajdel followed with his presentation, calling on VanVleet's reputation in the community and connection with Union County's employees. Zajdel presented estimates based on the best knowledge available, but promised more accurate quotes if he were able to get updated data, which Kress agreed to provide. Commissioners tabled the matter until the next meeting.
Also discussed:
-Union County Public Transit director Trisha Persinger provided a report to commissioners. A sixth driver has been hired, but the department is still in need of drivers as ridership continues to stay strong.
-Union County special projects coordinator Olivia Chewning reported fundraising efforts for The Grove Park at West College Corner have yielded $105,000 and construction is beginning soon.