The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners convened on April 12, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding health and dental insurance plans for county employees. The meeting primarily focused on the renewal of the fiscal year 2026 health insurance proposals, which are essential for the upcoming open enrollment period in May.

Linda, a representative from the county's human resources department, presented an overview of the medical plans, highlighting that Cabarrus County's offerings are competitive when benchmarked against similar local government employers. Changes made to the OAP plan, which serves about 30% of county employees, were designed to enhance benefits and improve recruitment and retention. These adjustments included reduced deductibles and added co-pays, making the plan more attractive to employees.

The total projected cost for the health insurance plans is estimated to exceed $20.9 million, encompassing medical costs, pharmacy expenses, health savings accounts, and administrative fees. This figure raised concerns among some board members, particularly regarding the financial burden on taxpayers. One commissioner expressed discomfort with the substantial amount being drawn from the general fund, emphasizing the need for responsible use of taxpayer money and acknowledging that many taxpayers do not receive similar benefits.

In addition to health insurance, the board discussed the dental plan, which will see a 26% increase in employee premiums this year. The increase is attributed to heightened dental care utilization following the COVID-19 pandemic, as employees address previously neglected dental issues. Despite the premium hike, the county decided to renew its contract with Delta Dental, citing its comprehensive coverage and extensive network as key factors.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenge of balancing employee benefits with fiscal responsibility, as the board navigates the complexities of providing competitive compensation while being mindful of taxpayer concerns. The next steps will involve finalizing the proposals ahead of the open enrollment period, ensuring that employees have access to the necessary information to make informed decisions about their health and dental coverage.