County approves employee health benefits package
The board unanimously approved the 2020 health benefits package despite questions surrounding increases to the plan.
Medical and dental also has no increase, but the forecast for self-funded medical and prescription programs involved two plan changes, which curbs what would have been a 9-percent increase to 6.8 percent.
"The industry standard is usually 6 to 7," said
Nevertheless, Commissioner
"I just wonder at what point they price themselves out of the market," Shell said. "People can't afford it."
Shell cited the rising costs of housing, groceries and other monthly bills, saying salaries can't keep up with inflation. To that point, employee salaries in the county have seen more modest increases than the insurance plans presented.
Beginning with the passage of the county budget in 2017, employees receive a
Despite the acknowledgment, Commissioner
"Seven, 8 or 9 percent is not sustainable to the average citizen," Yates said. "Not many people can afford that."
Staff writer
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