County health options

April 23--The Harlan Fiscal Court has decided to look for options regarding health insurance for city employees.

Harlan County Judge-Executive Dan Mosley advised the court the current provider quoted an increased rate for renewal.

Mosley asked County Treasurer Ryan Creech to go over some specifics concerning renewal.

"Basically what United (United Health Care, the county's current provider) has done is come back with a renewal rate to keep the same policy that we currently have," Creech said. "They're telling us it was a bad year in claims. They're proposing basically a 17.9 percent increase in premiums."

Creech explained at that rate insurance would cost the county approximately $165,000 more per year.

"United obviously doesn't want us to shop it, they want to keep the business," Creech said. "But with that being the starting rate, I don't know how far we can bring them down."

Creech said the previous year the county had eventually agreed to an increase of approximately 3.5 percent down from an original quote of approximately 13 percent.

"That is ridiculous," Mosley said of the new increased rate. "That is the most absurd proposal since I've been here. United Healthcare -- in my opinion -- well, I'm not a big fan."

Mosley said some county employees have had problems with the current insurance company.

"I personally have had problems on some claims," Mosley mentioned.

Mosley said the county may be able to find a better deal if they shop for a different insurance provider.

"United Healthcare is the worse we've ever had," stated magistrate David Kennedy. "These employees are just not getting treated right. You've got to fight with them on every claim. For what we pay, you shouldn't have to do that. I think we need to go ahead and go after another company."

After some further discussion concerning possible options, a motion was passed to shop the county's health insurance.

In other court activity:

-- The court approved entering into a rent agreement with a Kentucky State Police trooper for residence at the Stone Mountain Boat Dock; and

-- The court also approved the purchase of a mobile home from Edgewood Homes in Williamsburg to be placed at the Stone Mountain Boat Dock.

Reach Joe P. Asher at 606-909-4132 or on Twitter @joe_hde.

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