County Commission considers allowing future retirees to retain county insurance

May 30--Should Marion County's employees who plan on retiring soon be allowed to remain on the county's health insurance plan? That possibility was a topic of discussion during Tuesday morning's meeting of the County Commission at the courthouse in Palmyra.

"This is something we've talked over the last year or so," said Lyndon Bode, presiding commissioner.

Under consideration is the possibility of giving retirees who meet certain criteria the option of remaining on the county's health insurance plan, provided they pay the full cost.

Carla Meyers, an agent with GDC Insurance Services, said such a change of policy is possible.

"It would be an awesome benefit, but it's also a huge commitment by the county to take on the (additional claims) exposure," she said.

The county would have to set parameters only for the front end of eligibility, according to Meyers.

"You set the definition of what constitutes full retirement to be eligible and then the plan itself sets the cutoff age of 65 because then your eligible for Medicare," she said.

Any revisions to the insurance plan would only target those who are approaching retirement.

"As far as picking up people who have already retired, it's a completely different ballgame," said Meyers.

Meyers advised the commissioners against making any revisions to its health plan at this point in the year. Bode said he and fellow commissioners Larry Welch and Steve Begley were only on a fact-finding mission on Tuesday.

"The main thing we know it is possible," he said. "We'll take it under advisement and keep thinking about it. We'll talk some more before (policy) renewal."

In other business:

? An access road entrance at Veterans Road in Hannibal near Stardust Drive was approved. The planned road will connect with a residential area than is currently in the development stage.

? Mike Schaefer, county road superintendent, reported that some utility poles need to be relocated and some trees removed before the planned extension of County Road 266 to Business 61 near Palmyra can begin.

? Teya Stice, county coordinator, reported a permit needed has arrived from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Wenneker Bridge on County Road 104.

? Stice added that a request has been made for rail cars to be removed from near a crossing on County Road 266 because they create a sight-distance issue.

Reach reporter Danny Henley at danny.henley@courierpost.com

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