HEALTH INSURANCE RATES GOING UP FOR WASHINGTON CO.
Skalka shares details with county commissioners on
Tuesday about the county's new health insurance
contribution amounts, effective with insurance plan
renewal on October 1st.
Washington County employees will see an uptick in what they pay for medical insurance.
County commissioners on Tuesday approved the county’s health insurance contribution amounts for the October 1st renewal for the 2026-27 plan year, through the Texas Association of Counties Health and Employee Benefits Pool.
According to Human Resources Director Amber Skalka, the county’s plan is going up 12 percent, stacking with a similar rate increase last year. While the county was able to absorb the past rate hike, she said this one will require some additional pay-in from current and retired employees.
Skalka said the county’s 12 percent increase falls below the 20 – 35 percent jump that the market is generally seeing, so the county is “still remaining competitive.” County Judge John Durrenberger added that the county was bracing for larger than a 12 percent jump.
As part of the new plan year, Skalka said the county plans to roll out a wellness initiative, adopting annual wellness visits to encourage employees to maintain healthier lifestyles with the intent of passing the county’s savings on to employees in future years.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners approved the purchase of an ambulance remount and all associated items needed for upfitting for the EMS Department. The purchase will be funded with $350,000 in grant revenue from the Texas Rural Ambulance Service Grant Program.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners:
- Accepted an engagement letter from Singleton, Clark & Company, PC to perform the annual financial audit for the 2026 Fiscal Year.
- Approved the permit application for the Chappell 4th of July Parade.
- Received monthly reports from various county offices.
Click here to view the agenda packet for Tuesday's meeting.