County will switch insurance brokers

It’s time for a change.

Jay County Commissioners decided to switch insurance brokers Wednesday.

Commissioners agreed on a split vote to switch from OneDigital of Fort Wayne to Understand, Service and Innovate (USI) Insurance Services of Carmel.

Tom Schweisthal of USI Insurance Services noted the group looked at three health insurance methods for the county. One of those options would involve using an Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement, which involves employers reimbursing employees for health insurance premiums. With the option, employees could sign up for individual plans through HealthCare.gov. Schweisthal noted the option would “take (the county) out of the claims game,” saving the county an estimated $245,000 compared to a proposed renewal plan with provider Physicians Health Plan.

Pointing to recent claims history, Schweisthal said the county joining a partially self-funded plan does not seem to be a viable option at this time. However, he proposed the county could begin using his company as a broker and, come renewal time next year, look into a partially self-funded route again. He proposed USI Insurance Services take over the county’s current plan and finish out the process for a fully insured plan for next year.

Commissioners have been exploring partially self-funded options through a few different brokers in recent months. USI Insurance Services came to commissioners in August with a partially self-funded insurance proposal.