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Geauga employees to pay more for health plan
(by Joseph Koziol Jr. - October 27, 2010)
Geauga employees to pay more for health plan
By JOSEPH KOZIOL JR.
A wellness program and cuts in benefits are intended to hold down health-care costs low for Geauga County employees.
Geauga County Commissioners approved their second, three-year agreement last week with the County Employee Benefit Consortium of Ohio, making Geauga one of 22 Ohio counties that has joined in an effort to control rising health-care costs. The organization is part of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.
Kathleen K. Hostutler, benefits specialist for the county, told commissioners that the health-care provider, Anthem, had proposed a 9.8 percent increase in costs from 2010 to 2011. However, concessions made by employees and the wellness program will allow the increase to be reduced to 5.6 percent.
Among the concessions given by employees are an 80 percent pickup by the insurance company for diagnostic services. Employees previously were provided a 100 percent reimbursement.
Employees also will pay higher co-pays for prescriptions and a higher percentage of costs for emergency room visits.
Ms. Hostutler said approximately 610 county employees are eligible for coverage under the plan, but about 80 people accept waivers to opt out. The county pays those who opt out of the full coverage plans $792 for singles and $2,088 for families.
Ms. Hostutler said the waivers cost the county far less than actual health coverage would.
Of the 530 remaining employees, she said, 480 have chosen to participate in a wellness program that allows them to take reduced rates on coverage. Those who chose not to participate pay about 20 percent more in premiums, she said.
Those participating are required to attend training sessions and have medical screenings. All of the medical information remains confidential, she said.
"We have told them wellness is important," Geauga County Commissioner Mary Samide said. "If you don't, you will pay more."
The county has attempted to control costs as it has put a freeze on wages for county employees. Next year will mark the third year county workers will get no wage increases.
Ms. Hostutler said, without the policy changes and wellness program, the county would have had a 23 percent increase in rates this year.
"Their decision to join the consortium three years ago was an excellent idea," she said.
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