Action 11.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting - 10:00 am
Human Resources
- Meeting Date:
- 02/24/2026
- Title:
- Cochise Combined Trust premium rate, fiscal year 2026 -2027
- Submitted By:
- Lara Loewenheim, Board of Supervisors
- Department:
- Board of Supervisors
Presentation:
PowerPoint
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature NOT Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
0
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Jennifer L. Graeme
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Director of Human Resources
Mandated Function?:
Federal or State Mandate
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Docket Number (If applicable):
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve the Cochise Combined Trust premium rate structure for medical, dental and vision benefits for fiscal year 2026 - 2027.
Background:
Cochise County is part of Cochise Combined Trust, which includes Cochise County, Cochise College and Central Arizona College. The Trust works with Gallagher Benefit Services for a variety of benefits services, providing a quality benefit package which is compliant and ensures the financial health of the Trust.
In January, Cochise Combined Trust voted unanimously to approve a benefit plan and rate structure plan for fiscal year 2026-2027. Through the Trust, Cochise County will offer three medical/prescription plans to its employees: EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), Buy-Up EPO, and a HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan). Fiscal year 2025- 2026 will experience an increase in the premium for the EPO Buy-Up. Dental and vison rates will remain the same.
In January, Cochise Combined Trust voted unanimously to approve a benefit plan and rate structure plan for fiscal year 2026-2027. Through the Trust, Cochise County will offer three medical/prescription plans to its employees: EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), Buy-Up EPO, and a HDHP (High Deductible Health Plan). Fiscal year 2025- 2026 will experience an increase in the premium for the EPO Buy-Up. Dental and vison rates will remain the same.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
If approved, open enrollment will begin on April 1, 2026, and end on April 30, 2026, for an effective date of July 1, 2026.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
Open enrollment will be delayed and potential loss of coverage to employees.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
n/a
Fiscal Impact
- Fiscal Year:
- 2027
- One-time Fixed Costs? ($$$):
- 8,070,278.23
Fiscal Impact & Funding Sources (if known):
The one-time fixed costs reflect the overall estimated County portion. This is an estimated increase of $462,931.72 over the current fiscal year.