Pulaski County Facing $210,000 Increase in Health Insurance Costs

Pulaski County’s annual health insurance bill could be going up by more than $200,000, following a sharp increase in claims. Steve Gregory with Shepherd Insurance told the county commissioners last week that the plan hasn’t been running well. Cigna initially wanted to raise the cost by almost 44 percent but they negotiated it down to less than 20 percent.

Continue reading

Starke County Commissioners Offer Second Employee Health Insurance Option

 
 
Starke County employees who said they would pay a higher health insurance premium in exchange for greater levels of coverage may have that option if enough people opt to do so. The county commissioners agreed to offer an optional Anthem benefit plan, but it will only be available if at least 10 percent of county employees choose it. Office visit co-payments for primary and specialty care physician office visits are less, but the employee is responsible for 100 percent of the cost difference over the county’s basic offering. That’s an extra $100 per month for an individual with coverage, and more for someone who picks the family plan option. The commissioners note that this may be a better deal if someone sees the doctor frequently and say their hope is to give employees alternatives from which to choose. However, they also note that more providers are in network with Anthem Blue Cross-Blue Shield than were with Cigna, so higher levels of coverage for out-of-network providers may not be an issue.

Pulaski Commissioners Discuss Changing Life Insurance Provider

Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
Pulaski County Commissioners Larry Brady, Vice President Terry Young, and President Tracey Shorter
The Pulaski County Commissioners are considering the idea of moving life insurance options and disabilities to Symetra Life Insurance following a presentation from Dave Bennett and Bob Zavacky as well as a representative from Cigna. Bennett explained that Symetra would offer a better rate for short-term disability and life insurance, saving the county more than $1400 per year with a 36-month guaranteed rate.

Continue reading