ALFRED — York County Commissioners gave the green light to county Manager Greg Zinser on Wednesday to continue pursuing new health insurance options that could save the county as much as $200,000 annually, depending on enrollments. The projected savings represents about 10 percent of the yearly $2 million health insurance tab.

The change from present carrier Harvard Pilgrim to a plan offered by the Maine Municipal Association would require the co-operation of three unions that represent workers and changes to their contracts.

Zinser told county commissioners that it is his understanding that the National Correctional Employees Union that represents corrections staff at York County jail have indicted they are already pursuing a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan offered through the union.

Maine State Employees Union, Local 1297, President Rachel Sherman, who is also a member of the county’s insurance committee that is exploring options, said there is a process that the union and county must follow in order to make the change. She said she is awaiting fuller details on parts of the proposed plan, but said it would possibly be a “win, win” for employees and the county. MSEA Local 1297 represents the county’s clerical and custodial staff.

 The Fraternal Order of Police County Patrol Association would also have to approve a change in their contract.

Zinser said the county’s non-union staff met earlier in the week and unanimously agreed to move to the new plan.

Under the current plan, the county funds a heath savings account — and the proposed plan would have a similar provision, called a health reimbursement account. Zinser said that means  the HRA would fund deductibles at 100 percent for those on the single plan, and 50 percent for those on the family plan.

Commissioner Richard Dutremble pointed out that the county already has a reserve for the health savings plan that could go toward finding the HRA. 

Zinser said a change would mean considerable savings to employees, as well as the county.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or [email protected].