The Austin County Commissioners Court convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss various agenda items, primarily focusing on updates to the county's dental insurance plans and other employee benefits.

The meeting began with a presentation on the dental program, where significant changes were proposed in response to employee feedback. The current dental plan will remain available, offering an annual maximum coverage of $1,250, which includes two free cleanings per year and 80% coverage for fillings. However, a new dual option plan was introduced, which reduces the basic dental rate for employees to approximately $30 per pay period, resulting in a $6 decrease in payroll deductions for those enrolled.

A key highlight of the meeting was the introduction of the "bio plan," which increases the annual maximum coverage to $3,000. This enhancement is designed to cover the average costs of three root canals and includes additional benefits such as adult and children's orthodontia. Employees will now have access to financial assistance for braces, addressing a common concern among families.

The presentation also emphasized that employees currently undergoing orthodontic treatment would still be eligible for coverage under the new plan. Furthermore, enhancements to out-of-network benefits were discussed, ensuring that employees can receive coverage for services rendered by out-of-network dentists at the same rates as in-network providers.

Following the presentation, the court discussed the renewal of the MetLife insurance plan, which will see a minimal increase of 3.1% in the basic life insurance premium, amounting to $7,477 annually. The court unanimously approved the renewal, noting that the overall costs for employees would remain lower than current rates.

The meeting concluded with a brief mention of the Smith Rx program, which is expected to yield quarterly savings of $60,000 on prescriptions. The court acknowledged the need for improved communication regarding this program to ensure employees are well-informed about their benefits.

Overall, the meeting addressed critical updates to employee benefits, reflecting the county's commitment to enhancing the welfare of its workforce while managing costs effectively.