Commission discusses health care changes

The Houston County Commission discussed the changes in health care due to the new Affordable Health Care Act at its Tuesday meeting.

Human resources director Ken Carter shared with the commissioners what this new act will do to costs.

“Payments will grow over the years because of this. If we don’t comply, the IRS comes after the county,” shared Carter.

This year the plan will add an additional $1 per member to the costs that are already instated for self insured and fully insured members.

A Reinsurance Fee (that is based on the number of employees on the plan) is something Carter told the commissioner they need to look into as well. It is for fully insured and self-insured individuals as well. It adds roughly $5.25 per employee every month, which the county will pay directly.

All federal employees are exempt from these fees.

“It bothers me that the government passes bills that effect everyone but them,” stated Commissioner H. Jay Walker.

Walker also talked about the OPEB Valuation Services. It is something the county has to have done annual to provide the retirees. He requested executing services associated with fiscal year 2013.

The commission approved the contract with ACCG, which is estimated to cost $45,000 or less.

“When employees retire, they have lifetime benefits,” said Walker.

Commissioner Gail Robinson shared with the commissioners that the Houston County Department of Juvenile Justice has been awarded the Juvenile Justice Incentive grant in the amount of $250,000. According to Robinson Houston County was one of the 18 counties in Georgia to receive a grant. The grant will assist in reducing cell commitments and provide systematic therapy. It will also have an impact on chronic and juvenile offenders.

“The state will audit this program. We might get additional funding if they see results. I feel confident the state will have results,” shared Chairman Tommy Stalnaker.

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