Athens County will see a 10 percent hike in its health care premiums, affecting 292 county employees
Athens County employees might soon see a spike in their healthcare premiums, county commissioners said at their meeting Tuesday morning, ultimately affecting the 292 employees enrolled in the county’s health care plan.
For a single employee, monthly health care premiums will rise from about $550 to more than $600, County Commissioner Lenny Eliason said — more than a 10 percent increase, beginning October 1, although employees only pay about 18 percent of that premium.
Costs for a family plan premium will raise to about $1,500, resulting in an 11.3 percent increase.
Although upsetting, the increase does not come as a surprise, Eliason said, adding that premiums rise nearly every year, and that this particular increase was anticipated due to “high usage” this past year.
However, increases usually settle at around five to six percent. Both union and non-union workers will be impacted.
County Commissioner Charlie Adkins expressed worry that rates might be too far-reaching for many of the lower-paid employees, some of whom are only compensated $10 an hour.
Adkins suggested an income-based health care rate in place of the current flat rate.
“I’d like to see us look at something based on some sort of scale,” Adkins said. “I think the higher-end people need to put more into it. Me, as an officer worker, I’d rather pay more for health care.”
Eliason worried that Adkins’ proposal could be too pricey for the county.
“I don’t disagree with your philosophy, but we also have a budget,” Eliason said.
Eliason added that not only is the county’s budget limited, but that an income-based health care rate could create animosity between employees who are making competitive wages.
“What you’re trying to do is very difficult,” Eliason said.
Following the healthcare budget proposal, the meeting was interjected by an executive session, where commissioners discussed potential disciplinary measures for an Athens County Emergency Medical Services employee.
Athens County EMS Chief Rick Callebs declined to comment, saying that the employee investigation was ongoing.
“(Athens County EMS) were kind of looking for guidance, no action was taken,” said Chris Chmiel, County Commissioner.
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