County To Keep Same Health Insurance
Roosevelt County employees will keep their same health insurance coverage at least for the near future. Commissioners voted against a motion to switch coverage to MACo health insurance by a 2-1 margin during their meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
Commissioner Gordon Oelkers suggested switching to the insurance offered by the Montana Association of Counties. The switch to the insurance from the long-term carrier Joint Power Trust was, if approved, going to take place on Jan. 1, 2027.
Oelkers said he wasn’t dissatisfied by JPT, but a lot of schools have dropped the company during the past year. Oelkers also felt that MACo would provide better in-person service.
He admitted there will be a learning curve for employees as far as figuring out which plan works the best for them.
He also said that he feels prescription costs would be less expensive in the long run because MACo is working with the National Association of Counties.
“I feel we will be better served during the next 10 years,” Oelkers said.
The MACo insurance would cost about $75-$100 a month more.
Commissioner Robert Toavs reported that he sent an email to department heads about the switch for them to share with their employees.
“I don’t have any complaints about the insurance that we have,” Toavs said.
A decision needed to be made prior to 90 days before the switch. Toavs said he wished commissioners had more time to decide.
Toavs said his concerns included not fixing something that isn’t broke and if the unions supported the change. His vote was to remain with JPT unless if he had the unions’ blessing. “I just don’t have a reason to dislike JPT,” Toavs said.
Commissioner Doug Marottek added that he heard some concerns from employees about making the switch.
The motion to switch failed by a 2-1 margin with Oelkers voting for the motion.
The county pays $1,533 per month for employee health insurance.
“Roosevelt County has a good retention rate for its employees. Insurance is one of the main components,” Oelkers said.
In other business, commissioners approved the request of purchase two tractors and mower attachments. Cost is $274,646.
Commissioners also approved purchasing two 2027 Ram pickups for the road department. Total cost is $104,382.
