Cigna proposes 24% premium increase amid rising health claims in Georgia

The Upson County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 4, 2025, focused on significant discussions regarding health insurance options for county employees. The meeting highlighted the introduction of a new insurance program, Cure 2, which aims to eliminate deductibles and co-pays for members who complete a telephonic health assessment within the first 120 days. This initiative is designed to encourage participation and gather valuable health data to improve member care.

During the meeting, representatives discussed the rising costs of health insurance, noting a 24% increase from Cigna, attributed to several high-cost claims. The total claims expenditure for the year reached nearly $2 million for claims over $25,000, with five claims exceeding $100,000, the highest being $325,000. These figures indicate a growing trend in healthcare costs, which are reportedly increasing at a rate of 8 to 12% across the industry.

The board expressed concerns about the sustainability of these rising costs and the need for effective solutions to manage them. The discussion included the potential for data collection to identify spending patterns and implement strategies to mitigate future expenses. The representatives emphasized the importance of exploring various insurance options beyond the traditional providers to find the best fit for the county's needs.

As the meeting concluded, the board acknowledged the complexity of the healthcare landscape and the necessity for ongoing discussions to ensure the well-being of county employees while managing costs effectively. The next steps will involve further evaluation of the proposed insurance options and continued monitoring of claims data to inform future decisions.