Gage County officials approve health coverage plan

BEATRICE – Among things that often go up in price and rarely, if ever come down….insurance comes to mind.

Gage County officials Wednesday approved the county’s health plan for the coming budget year. Gage County self-insures in its health coverage, purchasing reinsurance to cover claims over what is budgeted locally.  County Clerk Dawn Hill said several of the more than 20 companies for which bids were sought, did not bid on the plan.

"The rate that we received from our current carrier was uncompetitive to them....they couldn't match it. One of the quotes came in at a 34.8% increase."

Gage County’s cost is going up about 12% for the coming year.  One issue the county is investigating is prescription drug costs….and possible addition of a plan that could save some $150,000.

"It seems that most of our cost does fall into the prescription area.....specialty prescriptions, especially. So that's a thing that we want to try to implement....and save some money there."

Gage County Board Chairman Erich Tiemann says through self-insurance, the county is able to eliminate some risk and potentially hold down cost.
Gage County officials had brief discussion on the coming year’s budget. Tiemann says he expects the county’s tax request to increase some this year…even though the county’s tax rate may decrease.

"Our tax asking went down the last two years in a row. This year, I think our tax asking will go up. I'm assuming the mill levy may go down, just because valuations are up."

Tiemann cited a new law enforcement union agreement, materials and labor costs going up as factors in the tax request this coming year. He said he’s hoping the requested increase will be under two-percent.