NEW YORK – York County’s health insurance program will remain with Medica in the 2023-24 fiscal year. The good news for employees is two-fold: They’ll see stability in staying with the same provider and won’t be impacted by a 5.5% increase in costs.
York County commissioners agreed with the recommendation of Ben Royal of Cornerstone Insurance Group, the county’s insurance broker, and the recommendation of the county’s insurance committee.
“The company you are already with has offered a 5 ½% raise and we have received positive comments about working with them. And there is stability in being with them,” Royal said. “There are a lot of positive aspects about being with Medica. “I think it is wise to recommend them and think that their offer is a favorable one.”
York County Commissioners Chairman Randy Obermeier, who sits on the insurance committee, said the group met last week to discuss plans, programs and options.
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“The insurance committee is recommending staying with Medica,” Obermeier said. “We think it’s a good plan. “Also, our human resources representative attended that meeting and felt it was a good way to move forward.”
“If we move forward with this plan, will staffing costs increase?” asked Commissioner Daniel Grotz.
“No,” Obermeier replied. “As things stand now, the recommendation is to keep staffing costs the same.”
“In my experience, I’ve never seen insurance (costs) stay at this level, so that’s a positive,” Commissioner Woody Ziegler said.
“I have worked with Medica before and now, and I think this company has been great to work with,” Grotz said.
“They have been great with us and offering preventive medications at no cost to employees is a great component,” Obermeier said.
Royal also said that the proposed cost was less than the commissioners had budgeted for the year.
“The insurance committee recommends that we stay here and if we go get offers from other companies it’s very unlikely that anyone else will come down,” Grotz said. “And then we have to decide whether we want to put employees through another change.”
They voted unanimously in favor of staying with Medica and having the county cover the modest increase in costs.
Royal said open enrollment for employees will take place next week.
