Val Verde County officials are preparing for significant changes to employee health benefits as they approach the renewal period for medical, dental, and life insurance plans. During the Commissioners Court Regular Term Meeting on June 18, 2025, consultants presented a detailed overview of the upcoming adjustments, highlighting a projected 10.7% increase in medical insurance costs due to rising claims, particularly related to cancer treatments.

The county's health insurance pool has reported high-cost claims, necessitating this increase to ensure adequate funding for future payouts. The anticipated rise translates to approximately $72.70 more per employee per month, amounting to a total increase of around $292,194 for the county's budget. In contrast, the dental plan will see a more modest increase of 4.5%, resulting in an additional cost of about 64 cents per employee.

While life insurance rates will remain unchanged, the county is also transitioning its COBRA administration to a new provider, which will streamline processes and reduce administrative burdens on human resources. The new arrangement will charge a $20 fee for each COBRA notification, simplifying the management of health coverage for employees who lose their benefits.

A key discussion point was the potential for a pilot program aimed at increasing dependent enrollment in health plans, which has shown promise in other counties by lowering overall costs. However, concerns were raised about the implications of higher deductibles and the risk of employees delaying necessary medical care due to increased out-of-pocket expenses.

The court has been granted an extension until July 2 to finalize decisions regarding these changes, allowing time for further analysis and community feedback. As the county navigates these adjustments, officials emphasize the importance of balancing cost management with the health needs of employees and their families. The upcoming months will be crucial in determining the best path forward for Val Verde County's health benefits program.