COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – A committee made up of county employees who were told to look into concerns about large increases in 2022 insurance premiums suggested during the Branch County Board of Commissioners work session on Thursday that American Rescue Plan funds be used to help supplement employee health insurance.
Branch County District Court and Sheriff’s Department employees are among those who have expressed their displeasure about the higher insurance premiums for this year.
Premiums went up due to a high amount of claims, more utilization and higher medication use over the last couple of years.
It’s hoped Blue Cross/Blue Shield will consider two additional plans that would raise deductibles.
Branch County Administrator Bud Norman gave a timeline as to what they hope will happen over the next few months.
District Court Judge Brent Weigle requested that the committee be formed two weeks ago to look into other options after he pointed out insurance premiums have gone up 62 percent in his department.
Before any action can be taken by Commissioners, the county will have to get an opinion from the State Attorney General’s office on whether or not A.R.P.A. funds can be used for this.
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