Franklin County employees will pay 47% more out of pocket for health insurance starting Jan. 1 after the Fiscal Court voted 6-1 to approve the premium increases, WKYT reported.
Depending on specific coverage plans, workers face monthly increases ranging from $104 to $250.
County leadership defended the adjustment by pointing to rising expenses and a lack of alternative insurance providers. Executive Michael Mueller stated that Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield was the sole company willing to insure the county. He added that absorbing the full cost is no longer financially sustainable without cutting community services.
Prescription drug costs drove the rate increases upward, according to Mueller. “We have some employees that really are using some prescriptions that are very, very expensive,” Mueller said.
Sixth District Magistrate Eric Whisman voted against the measure during the Nov. 4 meeting, arguing the timing during the holiday season creates an undue burden. “This decision is not just about a small fee increase,” Whisman said. “That’s going to hit some of our employees so much that they are, well, they’re already looking for other jobs, unfortunately.”
Whisman also questioned the timeline and lack of broader employee involvement prior to the vote. Human Resources Director Frances Short explained that Anthem did not deliver the final rates until Oct. 23. “It wasn’t intentional,” Short said. “It’s just when we got the rates.”
Mueller and Whisman both called for more legislation to address national healthcare costs. Meanwhile, the county is establishing a committee comprising employees from every department. This committee will evaluate alternative solutions ahead of next year’s coverage cycle.
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