King County adopts new health benefits

March 6, 2009

Summary

Building on the innovative principles of its groundbreaking health reform initiative, King County labor and management leaders have approved a new three-year agreement on a health care plan for the county’s employees and their families.

Story

Building on the innovative principles of its groundbreaking health reform initiative, King County labor and management leaders have approved a new three-year agreement on a health care plan for the county’s employees and their families.

The agreement, which begins in January of 2010, will save $37 million over its three year term. Key elements include a cap on yearly out-of-pocket expenses, increased use of generic prescription drugs, preventative screening, and a continuation of King County’s successful program of supporting and engaging employees in managing their own health.

King County will continue to offer two plans to approximately 30,000 employees and dependents: KingCareSM (currently administered by Aetna) and Group Health. The bulk of the savings will come in the form of a new rate structure for KingCareSM members and increased focus on encouraging a switch to generic drugs.

“King County's health reform track record and strong partnership with labor are what made this agreement possible,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “Everyone at the negotiating table recognized both the significance of the county's budget situation and the need to provide some certainty and incentives for employees during these difficult economic times. This balanced agreement does that.”

For more information on the agreement, visit https://www.kingcounty.gov/employees/benefits/2010.aspx.