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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:
October 24, 2007
Contact: Clarence Moriwaki
Phone: (360) 337-4481
No. 07-73
Kitsap County reaches historic agreement to save more
than $830,000 in health costs in 2008
PORT
ORCHARD, WA—Thanks to an unprecedented collaboration of labor and
management, Kitsap County will see a savings of at least $836,698 in medical
benefit plans, reducing the projected 18.8% cost increase in 2008 to a no –
zero percent – increase.
“On behalf of Kitsap County taxpayers, we’re grateful for hard teamwork by
our county’s labor groups and management on the Medical Benefits Board who
joined forces and found constructive ways to rein in the rising cost of
health insurance,” Board of Commissioners Chair Josh Brown said. “While we
still face challenges to the county budget, this is a very positive step
that we’re on the right track to get our fiscal house in order.”
“In my 20 years of experience in government, I don’t remember any other time
when the unions stepped right up to the plate and helped develop such a
positive solution,” North Kitsap County Commissioner Steve Bauer said. “My
hat is off to everyone for doing such a terrific job working together for
the county and our taxpayers.”
The Board of Commissioners approved the recommended 2008 medical plan
changes from the county's Medical Benefits Board that include: an added
spousal surcharge of $25 per month if that spouse has medical coverage
available through their employer; slightly higher co-payments; a payment of
$100 per month payment for employees who waive their medical coverage; a new
deductible for the Group Health plan; and premiums paid by employees through
payroll deduction will remain the same for 2008.
There are 18 labor bargaining units that represent county employees, with 16
agreeing to the new medical plan, and county is still in discussion with the
two remaining unions.
The Board of Commissioners presented representatives of the Medical Benefits
Board with a certificate of appreciation featuring a quote from Henry Ford:
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working
together is success.”
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