County Commissioners cover 20% heath insurance increase for employees

Last week, Jennifer Draake, the county’s Human Resource Administrator, presented the Commissioners with the 2026 Employee Benefits Insurance Rates for approval. 

Draake said the rates for health insurance increased by 20% but the commissioners have decided to cover the additional costs, keeping the employees' share the same as it was in 2025. 

Employees using the PPO medical insurance with Auxiant pay $75.18 per pay.  Employees with a spouse pay an additional $462.68, while employees with a child or children pay $372.20, and the family plan is $589.56. 

Employees using the HDHP pay $28.78, and employees and spouses pay $324.18.  Employees with children pay $264.80, and family coverage is $407.44.   

Draake said the county’s health insurance has increased in the past couple of years, and the commissioners have covered those increases. 

Commissioner Bohannon commented that the County Council approved a 2% salary increase for next year, and the county will cover another 20% increase in health care costs.  He said, “I want it noted that a lot of units of government around here gave no increases to our folks, and I think the council has enabled us to really take care of our folks well, considering the current situation, and I want to thank them for stepping up and taking care of our folks.”

Commissioner Stan Klotz said he wasn’t sure if the county would be able to cover another insurance increase for 2027, warning that employee contributions may have to increase.