Pulaski County government employees will keep their current health insurance coverage, even though it will cost the county another $210,000 over the next year. Cigna raised the cost by almost 20 percent, following a sharp increase in claims.
Another company said it could actually lower the cost by using a reference-based pricing model. But the commissioners were concerned that if there were a dispute between a health care provider and the insurance company, employees could end up being financially responsible, potentially hurting their credit scores.
During last week’s meeting, the commissioners voted to stay with the existing plan. Commissioner Mike McClure suggested that the county put together a committee to research insurance options next year.
