Milwaukee County Faces Urgent Action Over Health Insurance Contract Lapse
Milwaukee County is grappling with a critical situation as officials scramble to address the expiration of a health insurance contract affecting thousands of county employees. The lapse in the contract with UnitedHealthcare has prompted calls for swift action to mitigate potential risks.
During a January 29 finance committee meeting, county supervisors were informed that the health care contract had expired at the end of the previous year. County Corporation Counsel Scott Brown emphasized the significance of the contract, describing it as one of the “single most important contracts in the county.”
“I think there’s enormous risk to us operating … without this contract,” Brown remarked, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
William Davidson, the county’s deputy corporation counsel, warned of the “catastrophic risk” posed by the absence of an approved contract. He expressed concerns that the ability for county employees to “receive and pay for services might be affected” if the situation isn’t resolved promptly.
Supervisor Steve Taylor expressed frustration over the lapse, calling it “unacceptable” and “crazy.” In an interview with WPR, Taylor revealed that coverage under the old contract continues for more than 3,000 county employees. However, Brown cautioned that any large claims made before a new contract is signed could be denied by UnitedHealthcare.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who is running for governor as a Democrat, has directed officials to swiftly resolve the issue and collaborate with the Board of Supervisors to approve a new contract in the upcoming week.
The lapse was attributed to procedural issues during the request for proposals process, as noted by Human Resources Director Tony Maze. Maze admitted to not adhering to county rules in an effort to save money by hiring an external actuary. This revelation prompted Supervisor Anne O’Connor to call for an emergency meeting, stating, “I feel like what I am hearing is extremely concerning, to the point where I think we have to consider some emergency action.”
The emergency meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10 a.m.
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