Barry County Commissioners Tuesday approved the Healthcare Cost Containment Committee recommendations for the county’s employee health insurance plans.
Last week, committee members Deputy County Administrator Luella Dennison and Barry Central Dispatch Director Stephanie Lehman recommended continuing with Priority Health for health insurance which means, “a little overall savings.”
Employees will pick from four health plans, with increases of 5.9 percent to 9.6 percent, depending on the plan. The county will pay an additional 1.9 percent, allowed by state law, Dennison said.
Employees will pay the difference in the cost of health premiums they select that exceed the annual state-mandated caps. If the plan they select is lower than the state cap, the difference will be deposited into their account.
Blue Cross Blue Shield offered premiums that were little lower, but premiums on its HSA’s “were considerably higher.”
The renewal date for the insurance is Jan.1, 2019. The county has engaged Priority Health since 2016.
In other business , commissioners approved:
*appointing Cindy Vujea to the Barry County Parks and Recreation Board representing the Barry County Economic Development Alliance for the remainder of a three year term and to reappoint Patti Richardson to the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board for a one year term representing the Barry County Humane Society.
*a network security audit and vulnerability assessment review by MGT Consulting Group for $24,500, requested by IT director David Shinavier.
*a bid from Environmental Systems Solutions (ESS) in Ada to provide HVAC maintenance services for three years for $25,870 a year. The contract covers the Barry County Courthouse, Annex, Courts and Law Building, Friend of the Court, Tyden Center, Barry Eaton District Health Department, Animal Shelter, COA, Sheriff’s Office/Jail, and Central Dispatch.
