Rising insurance cost questioned but accepted
Staff writer
Marion County will keep its employee health insurance plan unchanged even after rising costs prompted a lengthy discussion Monday.
Claims have climbed sharply over the past year, with more high-cost cases and increased prescription use driving expenses, Blue Cross and Blue Shield adviser Claudio Faundez told commissioners.
The county already has paid more this year than it did all of last year, he said.
Commissioners discussed eliminating a $500 deductible option and shifting employees to higher-deductible plans, as well as changing how premiums are structured.
During discussion, Commissioner Kent Becker tied broader health care costs to undocumented immigrants.
“It would change in a hurry if we quit paying for all the illegal aliens that walk into an emergency room and our taxpayers in this nation pay every dime,” Becker said.
Marion County has built up a reserve and managed costs since switching plans, county administrator Tina Spencer said. But she warned increases could not be absorbed forever without affecting employees’ take-home pay.
Ambulance director Mickey Price asked commissioners to allow the county to temporarily outsource ambulance billing after losing an employee who handled it.
The county has offered an office position, he said, but the person would need training in billing and coding. Using an outside company for six months to a year would help maintain collections in the meantime, he said.
Commissioners were receptive to the idea, noting outside billing could improve efficiency, but they made no final decision.
Road and bridge discussed stream bank stabilization projects at the 230th and Turkey Creek bridge and the Goldenrod bridge tied to federal watershed funding that received only one bid.
Environmental restrictions require in-stream work to be completed before mid-May, but the contractor could not begin until June, creating a scheduling conflict.
Repairs to the damaged Goldenrod bridge could allow a currently closed road to reopen once work is completed..
A proposed resolution on wake-surfing ballast systems at Marion County Lake was delayed until residents have a chance to weigh in.
Two people spoke during public comment.
Travis Tannahill opposed potential limits on wake boats at Marion County Lake. He said traffic was limited outside major holidays, and other boats also contribute to shoreline damage and invasive species concerns.
Former commissioner Dianne Novak asked for clearer guidance on when members of county boards should step aside because of conflicts of interest or bias.
County counselor Brad Jantz said he would bring back recommendations after receiving direction from commissioners.
The meeting opened with a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.