Knox City Council members were recently informed that the City will be switching its health insurance plan and the change is expected to save the City and employees money.
Mayor Estok explained that the City’s current Health insurance plan is with United Health Care and premiums were expected in increase by more than 11 percent.
He said they asked their agents to seek other quotes and they were able to find a less expensive plan. He said they decided to go with Anthem’s Blue-Cross Blue Shield IPEP plan.
The explained that not only will it save the City approximately $70,000 but the coverage provided is also expected to improve. He added that employees will also have lower deductibles and co-pays.
Mayor Estok noted that the City pays 85 percent of the policy for employees and they’re responsible for covering the remaining 15 percent.
He stressed that it is vital to look into additional quotes from time to time instead of automatically renewing with a particular provider because increases are so common.
Clerk-Treasurer Jeff Houston added to that, noting that while sometimes employees are hesitant to share personal details as a part of the process, it is important.
He explained, “A lot of people don’t like to put down their personal information. When you redo it like that you have to put down your ailments and things like that and people don’t like to do that so it’s disruptive but every now and then you have to.”
Mayor Estok mentioned that last year the City’s plan had an annual increase totaling around $50,000 so officials are excited about the savings expected with this policy switch.
