During the Clackamas County Policy Session on October 23, 2024, county commissioners engaged in a critical discussion regarding the rising costs of employee health benefits and the implications for working families. The meeting highlighted concerns about the delegation of decision-making authority to a benefits review committee, which has been in place for over three decades. This delegation has led to frustrations among commissioners who feel they are merely rubber-stamping decisions without sufficient oversight or input.

Commissioner West expressed significant concern about the financial burden on employees, questioning how the county plans to mitigate these rising costs. The discussion revealed a lack of clarity on strategies to address the increased out-of-pocket expenses and higher deductibles that employees may face. The commissioners acknowledged that while the benefits review committee has the authority to make decisions regarding plan design, there is a growing sentiment that the board should reconsider this delegation to regain control over such important matters.

The conversation also touched on the need for a more strategic approach to health benefits, particularly in the area of preventative care. Several commissioners emphasized that improving preventative health measures could ultimately reduce costs associated with chronic diseases and high medical expenses. Commissioner West pointed out that the county's current health plan does not adequately support preventative care, which could lead to higher costs in the long run.

In response to questions about existing wellness programs, it was noted that Clackamas County does have initiatives aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, but these programs have not received the attention they require due to staffing changes and resource constraints. The commissioners expressed a desire to revamp these wellness programs to better support employee health and potentially reduce healthcare costs.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the need for further discussions on these issues, particularly as the county prepares to work closely with Mercer, a consulting firm, to evaluate and improve health benefits. The commissioners are expected to continue addressing these concerns in future sessions, as they seek to balance the financial implications of health benefits with the well-being of county employees.