Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/185868
Sarasota News Leader October 4, 2013 increase in claims. In fact, about 10 recent claims cost close to $250,000 each, all resulting from employees diagnosed with serious illnesses such as cancer, county staff told the News Leader. Page 35 director of risk management and safety for the county. "The purpose is to help employees find the best provider at the most-reasonable costs." Additionally, the Compass counselor will "We're self-insured, so as claim costs go up, guide employees as they schedule annual those costs need to be addressed," Botelho screenings and exams. "It is just really supsaid. port for employees," Olmstead pointed out. Many larger counties — and the City of But even with such programs, the county Sarasota — pay for their employees' insur- must find a way to handle the rising insurance ance coverage. costs resulting from more expensive claims. The county is also trying to rein in claim expenses through programs that provide incentives to employees who undergo annual physicals and pursue preventive healthcare measures, such as using the county's fitness facilities. Among those programs is one called "Compass," which matches employees with a health counselor who will assist them in getting prompt medical attention when they need it. The counselor will also help employees "navigate the health system" and find doctors. Last year, Sarasota County employees' insurance premiums rose by only 3 percent. In some instances, the projected 15-percent increase for the upcoming year would negate a merit-based pay increase for non-union employees approved by the county commissioners in August. An employee can earn a raise of up to 3 percent after an evaluation. "It would be hard for a lot of lower-pay employees to absorb a 15-percent medical "You can pay $2,000 for an MRI or $500 rate increase," said Joanie Whitley, general right down the street," said Steve Olmstead, manager of human resources for the county. The County Commission sits in session in January. Photo by Norman Schimmel