Wayne County’s commissioners are considering two companies for the county’s employee health insurance program beginning July 1.
Cathy Dunn of Dunn & Associates Benefit Administrators in Columbus presented quotes during the commissioners’ May 27 meeting. The field was narrowed to One80, which is the current provider, and IOA Re.
The county is currently paying One80 $970,000 in total fixed costs. The county pays up to $150,000 for each individual plan participant before the insurance company takes over 100% of coverage. The county also has an aggregate plan maximum it would pay before receiving 100% coverage, an amount it rarely reaches.
For a renewal, One80 quoted $1,111,000 for the $150,000 individual maximum and $1,014,000 for a $175,000 individual maximum. Dunn said she would not expect enough individuals to reach the $175,000 plateau to exceed the $97,000 difference in plans.
IOA quoted $1,089,000 for a $175,000 individual maximum. Its $4.5 million aggregate quote is $400,000 less than One80’s $4.9 million.
“I tend to want to keep fixed costs down, because once in every 15 years, you hit the aggregate,” Dunn said.
The plan has $688,000 in its checking account and about $2.5 million in reserves, according to Dunn’s report.
Dunn said use of Revive, a telemedicine program formerly known as SwiftMD, saved the county program about $31,000 during the year’s first quarter. Expanding that use as well as the True Rx generic medication program and Canarx program that purchases medications outside the country provide worthwhile savings.
Canarx was represented at the county’s April health fair to better inform insurance plan participants about its services and savings for the individual and the plan.
“I think it’s a win-win, so I think we pursue it,” Dunn said.
Commissioner Jeff Plasterer said commissioners would select a company June 10 for the July 1-June 30 year. They then have until later in summer to decide such details as employee contributions and maximum out-of-pocket expenditures that take effect Jan. 1 after a fall open enrollment period.
Change orders
Commissioners approved three change orders for the renovation project at the courthouse and Wayne County Administration Building campus.
The first was for $6,781 to install underground wiring for a street light. Steve Higinbotham, the county administrator, said that since the quote, a shorter wiring path has been found, meaning the county will receive a $1,175 credit. The total for that change order will then be $5,606.
The second change order for $6,997.50 is to install a 14th street light. The county received bids for 13 lights, although there are 14 on the campus.
The third change order for $2,586.40 is to provide photo cells for the 14 street lights to operate rather than on timers.
Commissioner Aaron Roberts said proper lighting is necessary for safety of the public and security of the property.
Other issues
- Commissioners will receive bids for three Chevrolet Tahoe sheriff’s vehicles June 24.
- A public hearing about the vacation of undeveloped alleys in Abington will occur during the commissioners’ June 24 meeting.
- Commissioners will request proposals for operation of the recycling transfer station in Hagerstown.
- Plasterer said he would speak with Pat Smoker, Richmond Sanitary District’s director, about pursuing a grant for collection of hazardous waste throughout the county. Union County residents also would likely be invited to participate. Plasterer said that could be a first step as RSD works to expand its recycling program throughout the county.
- Ron Cross, the county’s attorney, reported that the Redevelopment Commission voted to capture all available tax increment finance money from its five allocation districts.
A version of this article appeared in the June 3 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.