County could see big hike in health insurance costs

Insurance consultants with the firm of Payne West, which was hired by Whitman County, advised the commissioners that health insurance premium costs for county employees will increase between eight and 10 percent next year.

County human resources director Kelly Campbell said the biggest changes and cost increase are because of health care reforms from the Obama administration.

Campbell Tuesday recommended the board adopt the Washington Counties Insurance Fund insurance for most county employees, a pooled insurance company that offers better coverage and less deductibles than the other companies.

“Employees are aware of the choices, and I want to hear comments,” said commission chair Michael Largent.

“The opportunity to hear comments is all I’m concerned about,” he said. “We need to make a decision in the best interest of the most people.”

Campbell said insurance information is posted on the county’s web site for employees to study and consider.

She also told the board that union negotiations are ongoing and most likely will not be complete until after commissioners approve an insurance policy.

Insurance consultants went out for quotes from insurance carriers and reported back to the commissioners Sept. 16. Employer obligations were to begin in 2014 but have been delayed until 2015. Another change Campbell noted was that in 2014, there will be no more waiting periods for pre-existing conditions.

Commissioners will discuss the insurance plans next Monday, Sept. 30. Largent said if the commissioners then feel the need more time, they will delay any decision until the following week.

WCIF is a multi-employer, not-for-profit trust fund formed in 1958 by the Washington State Association of Counties to pool the cost of providing employee benefits for local governments throughout the state. They cover more than 100 participating employers and 30,000 enrollees.