Mon County Commissioners discuss medical and insurance plans

May 30--W. Va. -- In order to offset a 10 percent increase in premiums from Highmark Health Insurance, the Monongalia County Commission approved changes to the Super Blue Plus medical plan, which most county employees fall under.

During Wednesday's regular commission meeting, County Administrator Rennetta McClure said deductibles will remain at $200 (individual) and $400 (family), but more services will be charged against the patient's deductible at an 80/20 split until the deductible is reached.

"Basically, there is still a $200 deductible, but nothing went towards it, so even with the deductible, they didn't really have to pay anything," Commissioner Sean Sikora said. "Now, more things will go against the deductible, but again, it's only 20 percent, and only until you hit $200."

Sikora said the change will result in about $140,000 in savings to the county without increasing employee premiums.

"In regard to the comparison of our insurance plan, even after these changes, with other insurance plans across the country, this is still one of the most generous plans out there," Sikora said. "The most important thing for the employees is their premiums won't increase."

McClure explained that things like routine exams and annual checkups will continue to be covered 100 percent.

The commission also approved a change in its dental and vision carrier.

By switching to Highmark, which carries the county's health insurance, McClure said the county will receive a discount of about 2 percent to its overall health insurance plan without any apparent change for employees.

"I reviewed what we have now and what they're proposing, and they're exactly the same," McClure said.

Sticking with the insurance theme, the county is bolstering its general liability policy with a focus on cybersecurity.

It was explained that the CyberRisk Coverage, provided by Travelers Insurance, will jump the available payout in the event of an attack from a maximum of $50,000 to $3 million at an annual cost of $15,482.

In other county news, the commission:

* Tabled a $50,000 request for emergency grant funding from The Shack Neighborhood House while awaiting additional information.

* Heard from Crest Drive resident Jerry Cochran, who asked the commission to oppose the closure of any portion of River Road.

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