Library Board Cuts Health Insurance Cost

The Archbold Community Library Board changed the health insurance plan for five employees, trimming $9,676 from the yearly bill.

The board took the action in a special meeting, Wednesday, Feb. 11.

Joyce Klingelsmith, library director, said the board decided to move from conventional health insurance to a high-deductible health insurance plan with a health savings account. The board maintains the same company, she said.

Under the high-deductible/ health savings accounts plan, employees have health insurance with a large deductible- often in the thousands of dollars.

Once the deductible is met, the insurance plan pays 100% of the costs.

Employees are allowed to contribute money to a health savings account. Money deposited in a health savings account is not considered in computing the employee's taxes.

Many employers also contribute to the employee's accounts. Klingelsmith said the library board agreed to match an employee contribution, up to $25 per month, or $300 per year.

The library board meets next on Wednesday, March 11, at 7 pm at the library.