Health plan changes approved

The Coryell County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to eliminate one of two options for county employee health insurance on Tuesday.

Eligible county employees were offered “Preferred” and “High” plans. The preferred plan requires employees to see in-network doctors and the premium is fully paid by the county. The high plan allowed employees to see out-of-network doctors but additional premium costs were paid by the employee.

Prior to the vote, Commissioner Daren Moore asked if anyone had received feedback on the proposed changes. County Judge Roger Miller said he had heard from a few people who weren’t pleased, but said the policy change would impact very few employees.

According to County Treasurer Randi McFarlin, 181 of the county’s roughly 225 employees receive health insurance benefits from the county. Of those 69 had elected to use the “High” plan. The numbers do not include dependents.  

The commissioners voted unanimously approve the change which will take effect on Oct. 1, 2021 and extend through Sept. 30, 2022.

This is the second change to the county health benefits this year. Earlier this month the commissioners voted to reduce the amount the county pays for dependent premiums from 70% to 60%. That change will also go into effect Oct.1, 2021 and extend through Sept. 30, 2022.