Managing editor
As a sign of things to come, the City of Marion’s health insurance rate for its employees will increase 11 percent in 2010.
According to Blue Cross Blue Shield Representative Tim Ogelsby, the trend was common for small groups with 50 or fewer employees.
“Part of it is your own usage,” he said to the council, “and part of it is the pool.”
Medical costs are seeing an 8 percent increase.
Another change with the insurance company’s policies is requiring its customers to try a generic drug before a name-brand drug is approved for payment. If the customer cannot tolerate the less expensive substitute, Blue Cross Blue Shield will allow the claim.
Currently, the city pays 100 percent of health insurance premiums for its full-time employees, generally a total of 25. The policy includes prescription drug benefits but not dental or eye care. That coverage is available to employees at their own expense.
The city also pays 25 percent of additional premiums for those who choose to take insurance for a spouse, a child, or family. Providing prescription drug coverage is required with health insurance. Drug coverage has its own co-pay, separate from health care.
The council agreed to continue the same coverage for employees at the increased rate.
The new rates will go into effect March 1, when the policy comes due.
In other business:
- It was determined that the city does not actually have an ordinance in place that authorizes the removal of vehicles from city streets for snow removal. Mayor Mary Olson said it was a city policy. However, most city residents have cooperated with city police and street workers and removed vehicles as requested.
- Marion County Lake resident Judy Reno was appointed to the city’s planning commission but asked to be removed because she has a conflict on the meeting night. Olson asked and the council approved the appointment of Nathan Hoffman, who lives in rural Marion County.
- Contractor and electrical licenses for A&H Electrical, Inc. and a contractor license for Chris Sprowls, doing business as What Knots, were approved.
- Utility tap and building fees will be waived for a Homes for Our Troops project. The organization is planning to build a home for Ryan and Carrie Newell of Marion.
The next council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 25 in the city building.