Sheriff McCoy: Health insurance dispute creating unnecessary turmoil' for Reynolds County deputies

Reynolds County Sheriff Caleb McCoy has issued a public statement addressing confusion surrounding county health insurance coverage and comments attributed to the Reynolds County Commission.

In a press release, McCoy said he never requested county-provided health insurance. The sheriff, a combat veteran, said he receives medical coverage through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and declined county insurance when he took office.

McCoy said statements have circulated suggesting he initially requested county health insurance and later declined it. According to the sheriff, that claim is false and has contributed to misunderstandings among county employees and residents.

The sheriff stated that after he declined coverage, the county commission informed employees that all county workers would lose their health insurance because of his decision. McCoy said the announcement created confusion and unnecessary concern across county departments.

He further stated that nearly a year later, the commission reportedly indicated that all county employees would be allowed to maintain their health insurance coverage except for deputies and jailers employed by the sheriffs office.

“This situation has created unnecessary turmoil within our community and within my department,” McCoy said in the statement. “My deputies put their lives on the line to protect this county and deserve to be treated fairly and consistently with every other county employee.”

McCoy said he has formally requested a copy of the county’s original health insurance contract from the Reynolds County Clerk in order to clarify the agreement’s terms. According to the sheriff’s office, the current contract governing the county’s health insurance plan was originally executed in 2009 and has not been renegotiated since that time, although a separate participation agreement with the insurance provider has reportedly been signed each year.

As of the date of the release, McCoy said the requested contract had not yet been provided.

The sheriff also raised concerns that health insurance premiums were withheld from deputies’ and jailers’ paychecks even though they were not provided health insurance coverage. McCoy said he believes those employees should be fully reimbursed for any premiums deducted without coverage being provided.

McCoy also pointed to precedent within Reynolds County government indicating that participation in the county’s health insurance plan has never been mandatory for elected officials. In the past, county commissioners and other elected officials have opted out of the county health insurance plan.

He said Missouri law supports that practice. Under Missouri Revised Statutes § 67.150, counties may provide or contribute toward health insurance benefits for county officers and employees, but the statute does not require elected officials to participate or accept the coverage.

“This issue is not about me,” McCoy said. “It’s about fairness for the men and women who serve this county and transparency for the citizens who deserve the truth.”

McCoy is calling on the Reynolds County Commission to publicly release the county’s health insurance contract so county employees and taxpayers can review the terms of the agreement.

The sheriff also noted the contract is considered a public record under the Missouri Sunshine Law, which guarantees the public’s right to access government records. McCoy said releasing the document would help clarify the facts and restore public trust.

“The best way to resolve confusion is transparency,” McCoy said. “The citizens of Reynolds County deserve to see the contract and understand the facts.”

McCoy said he remains committed to working toward a resolution that protects county employees, ensures fairness for his deputies, and restores trust in county government.