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County workers to get lower medical insurance premiums

BY CARL ORTH

The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 4, 2008

SUNCOAST NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

NEW PORT RICHEY - Some 2,000 Pasco County workers will get a financial break this fall in the form of lower health insurance costs.
Aetna promised a 4.5 percent decrease to become the county's medical insurance provider.

"The decision was a pretty easy one to make," Commissioner Michael Cox said this week about the estimated savings of $960,000.
Aetna wrested the county contract away from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which held the contract for the better part of a decade.

For a second year, the county had sought competitive quotes from medical providers, Pasco Risk Manager Jane Calano explained. Five companies responded. Aetna was the only firm to lower premiums. Blue Cross wanted 4.5 percent more money while other companies wanted increases as high as 8 percent.

It remains to be seen if Aetna will try to jack up its rates next year, Cox commented.

But for now, commissioners were delighted with the results from competitive quotes. Last year, facing competition, Blue Cross had reduced its asking price by $1.1 million.
Aetna executives intend to make the transition for employees as painless as possible, Calano reported. Only employees who change coverage options might have to fill out forms. The enrollment period probably will start in August, Calano said.

"I believe disruptions are going to be held to a bare minimum," Cox observed. Nine out of 10 doctors are common between the Blue Cross and Aetna plans. Aetna is now approaching the other medical care providers.

Cox also mentioned that Florida Association of Counties and Aetna partnered on the deal. "We have a little more bargaining leverage with providers" because of the larger pool through the association.

Cox was a member of the county's advisory committee on insurance.

More good news for employees is the anticipated reduction in price for family coverage, Cox said.

Carl Orth can be reached at corth@suncoastnews.com or 727-815-1068.

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