Floyd County officials debate health insurance expenses

By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com

August 16, 2008 07:43 pm

— Don’t expect medical insurance costs to rise for Floyd County employees in the near future.
Both County Council President Larry McAllister and Steve Bush, president of the County Commissioners, say they oppose raising deductibles or passing premium increases on to employees, a move that could save the county more than $100,000 a year, according to Rick Zoeller with Neace Lukens, the county’s agent.
Zoeller made a presentation at the last commissioners meeting and said by raising the deductible by $150, the county could save more than $100,000 a year. If the deductible increases by $250, the savings to the county would be around $190,000.
Currently, county employees pay $9.76 a month for health insurance. There is a $500 deductible and a $15 co-pay for doctor office visits. A family plan cost $292.78 a month. It’s been 12 years since county employees have seen an increase in their health insurance costs.
“It’s a good plan,” Bush said.
The commissioners suggested forming a committee to look at different plans with Zoeller, at their last meeting.
County Councilwoman Dana Fendley initiated a conversation at last Tuesday’s council meeting to study the insurance plan. She said with the county facing financial difficulties, it may be time to look at the health insurance policy.
McAllister disagrees.
“We can’t give them raises so I don’t want them to have to pay more out of pocket,” McAllister said. “Once you give someone something, you don’t take something away from them. That is the way I have always voted.”
Bush said he is also against raising the deductible.
“If you can’t give them raises, but then you are going to raise their insurance, I don’t think that is right,” he said.
Councilman John Schellenberger agreed with Fendley, and said it wouldn’t hurt to look at the plan.
Jeff Firkins, a detective with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department, said reasonably-priced insurance gives people “incentive” to work for the county.
“I understand the argument that the county needs money,” Firkins said. “But times are tight. If you would raise health insurance for every single county employee, it would be unbearable for some.”