Lake County's Financial & Administrative Committee meeting on September 4, 2025, spotlighted the county's health insurance landscape, with a significant presentation from Neeti Patel, the senior benefits consultant from the Illinois Public Benefits Cooperative (IPBC). The session marked the first update since Lake County joined the IPBC in July 2022, providing crucial insights into the county's claims experience and the evolving insurance market.

Patel outlined the benefits of being part of the IPBC, a cooperative formed to pool risk among Illinois municipalities, which now includes nearly 180 members and covers over 20,000 lives. This collaborative approach aims to enhance financial stability and mitigate risks associated with health claims. The presentation highlighted the importance of viewing claims data over a multi-year period rather than focusing solely on annual fluctuations.

Key data revealed that while the market trend for health insurance costs is rising—projected at 9% for 2026—the IPBC's trend is slightly lower at 11.1%. Lake County is expected to see a 10.1% increase, which could be adjusted down to 9.6% due to the EncircleRx program. Patel emphasized that the rising costs are driven by high-cost claims, increased usage of GLP-1 medications, and the growing prevalence of chronic conditions.

The committee engaged in discussions about the differences in costs between the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, noting that while both are part of the same risk pool, their rates differ based on individual claims history and tier classifications. Lake County, classified as a tier 4 member, faces unique underwriting considerations that influence its insurance costs.

The meeting underscored the complexities of health insurance management for the county, with members expressing concerns about the financial implications of rising premiums and the balance between employee costs and county expenditures. As the committee prepares for future discussions on insurance options, the insights from Patel's presentation will be pivotal in shaping Lake County's health benefits strategy moving forward.