Costs climb — County insurance costs surge as commissioners absorb latest hike

Weston County’s health insurance costs have more than tripled since 2010, climbing from about $400,000 to more than $1.25 million in the current fiscal year, and that upward trend continued April 21 when commissioners agreed to absorb another double-digit increase while restructuring employee coverage options.

During their April 21 meeting, the board approved a 12% premium increase for the county’s insurance plan, driven largely by rising claims costs, but agreed the county — not employees — would cover the added expense.

The increase follows a year in which the county’s claims significantly outpaced premiums, according to representatives with the Wyoming Educators’ Benefit Trust, nonprofit trust that offers group benefit programs to its members and retirees. Officials reported a 133% loss ratio before adjustments, meaning the plan paid $1.33 in claims for every dollar collected in premiums. Even after credits and adjustments, the county’s loss ratio remained slightly above break-even, triggering the 12% rate hike.

Commissioners said the decision to absorb the increase was intended to avoid effectively reducing employee take-home pay.

At the same time, the board restructured the county’s health insurance offerings, eliminating the lowest deductible option — a $1,500 deductible plan — and approving three plans moving forward: a $2,500 traditional plan, a $3,500 high-deductible health plan and a $5,000 high-deductible health plan.

The shift is designed to encourage employees to consider high-deductible plans paired with health savings accounts, which allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses and carry unused funds year to year.

To promote that transition, commissioners also approved a one-time $1,000 contribution to an HSA for employees who choose one of the high-deductible plans.

Discussion during the meeting highlighted the financial trade-offs facing the county and the need to adjust to higher-deductible plans. Officials estimated that simply absorbing the premium increase could cost the county more than $100,000, depending on enrollment decisions.

Commissioners noted that actual costs will depend on how many employees opt into the new plans. Interim County Clerk Amber Green confirmed that the county’s total cost will vary based on employee selections.

The board also discussed the long-term goal of moving away from a reactive approach — covering annual premium increases — toward a strategy that encourages more cost-conscious use of health care services.

Commissioner Marty Ertman said HSAs could help employees build savings over time while reducing unnecessary medical spending, particularly for routine care that could be handled through lower-cost options such as telehealth.

Still, commissioners acknowledged that the transition may be challenging for some employees, especially those accustomed to traditional plans with lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care.

The new insurance plans will take effect July 1, with enrollment decisions expected in May.

County health insurance costs since 2010

FY 2026 $1,254,953.26

FY 2025 $975,478.68

FY 2024 $953,577.80

FY 2023 $740,000

FY 2022 $740,000

FY 2021 $680,000

FY 2020 $620,000

FY 2019 $599,000

FY 2018 $587,000

FY 2017 $587,000

FY 2016 $587,000

FY 2015 $587,000

FY 2014 $575,000

FY 2013 $575,000

FY 2012 $550,000

FY 2011 $500,000

FY 2010 $400,000

Source: Weston County budgets