Commission cuts Madison County employee health benefits
JACKSON, Tenn. — Madison County commissioners cut health benefits for county employees. Commissioners blame Obamacare and an increase in claims. Effective this month, Madison County employees pay more out of pocket for healthcare. Taxpayer Margie Graves does not like it. “If you know people have worked for those benefits, I think they need to keep them,” she said. Commissioners voted to double the deductible for county employees. An individual worker now pays $1,000 out of pocket, and families pay $1,500. Commissioner Larry Lowrance blames the Affordable Care Act plus more claims. “Taxpayers or employees, one of the two are gonna pay for it, and you know it’s no other way,” said Lowrance. In October, county employees who smoke will also have to pay an additional $50 a month for health insurance. Lowrance estimates the change will save the county about $60,00 a year. “This is a little bit of incentive hopefully to have people live a healthier life,” he said. Commissioner Claudell Brown opposes the deductible increase and says it will be hard on employees. “Insensitive and not representing and addressing the interests and what’s in the best interest of county employees,” he said. Commissioners say the increase in deductibles will save the county more than $300,000. County leaders say despite the savings, the county will still lose money. Lowrance says the insurance committee will re-evaluate monthly.
