Employees of Jackson County will likely see an increase in health insurance premiums in 2016.
The proposed changes were discussed at the Jackson County Legislature’s meeting on Monday. An across-the-board increase of 14.4 percent is expected next year, though some employees may end up paying less.
Next year, the county will offer a high-deductible plan with a health savings account as an option to employees. Currently, county employees can choose between two Blue Cross and Blue Shield HMO plans and a preferred provider organization.
There will be just one HMO option for county employees in 2016.
“Premium rate is just one part of overall healthcare costs,” Jackson County spokesman Mark Siettmann wrote in an email. “Deductibles/co-pays and HSAs can make a big difference as well.”
Siettmann added that up to 30 percent of county employees could actually see their premiums decrease under the proposed changes. The county employs about 1,500 people.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield will continue to administer the plans.
Elle Moxley is a reporter for KCUR. You can reach her on Twitter @ellemoxley.
