The Scotts Bluff County Commissioners convened on June 27, 2025, to discuss critical matters regarding the renewal of the county's health insurance plan, particularly focusing on the reinsurance carrier. The meeting was led by Lisa, who provided an overview of the current situation and the challenges faced in managing health insurance costs.

The primary agenda item was the renegotiation of the contract with the stop-loss carrier, which is essential for covering claims that exceed a specified deductible amount. Currently, the county pays the first $80,000 of claims, with the stop-loss carrier covering any expenses beyond that threshold. Lisa explained that the county had experienced a difficult year with significant claims, prompting a need for a thorough review of their insurance strategy.

Lisa introduced Ian Shada from Alliance Services, a broker who could offer various options for the county's reinsurance needs. She presented several proposals from different carriers, highlighting that the current fixed cost for the upcoming year would increase from $809,000 to approximately $930,000 due to the county's claims experience. The discussions included options to raise the deductible to $100,000, but it was determined that maintaining the $80,000 deductible was preferable.

The meeting also covered alternative proposals from other companies, including RCI, which initially offered a rate of $937,000 but later revised it to $922,000 after negotiations. Lisa noted that RCI had reduced their fees to provide a more competitive offer. Additionally, the broker suggested exploring a six-month plan that could potentially yield better rates and allow for a reevaluation of the county's insurance strategy.

A significant point raised was the need for terminal liability coverage to manage claims that might arise after transitioning to a new plan. Sun Life was proposed as a viable option for the renewal, which would include this terminal liability at an estimated cost of $50,000.

In conclusion, Lisa requested the commissioners to approve the renewal with Sun Life for a six-month period while they continue to evaluate their options for a more sustainable health insurance plan. The discussions underscored the county's commitment to managing health insurance costs effectively while ensuring adequate coverage for its employees. The commissioners will reconvene to finalize their decision and outline the next steps in the insurance renewal process.