New Lenox Township Approves 12.5% Increase for Employee Health Insurance

New Lenox Township Board of Trustees Meeting | August 14, 2025

Article Summary: The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees has approved the renewal of its employee medical benefit program with Blue Cross Blue Shield, accepting a premium increase of approximately 12.54% for the upcoming year. The township will cover the full cost of the HMO plan, valued at $908.54 per month for each full-time employee.

Medical Benefit Program Renewal Key Points:

• The board unanimously approved the annual renewal of the township’s medical insurance plan.

• Premiums from Blue Cross Blue Shield increased by about 12.54%.

• The township’s contribution for the HMO plan will be $908.54 per month per employee.

• An alternative quote from another provider was deemed too expensive and had higher deductibles.

The New Lenox Township Board of Trustees on Thursday, August 14, 2025, voted to renew its employee medical benefit program despite a significant premium increase for the coming year.

Supervisor Cass Wennlund presented the board with the renewal proposal from Blue Cross Blue Shield, which showed an increase of about 12.54%. Under the new terms, the township will cover the full cost of the HMO plan for each employee, which amounts to $908.54 per month. Employees who choose the more expensive PPO plan are responsible for paying the difference in cost.

According to the meeting minutes, the township’s insurance broker sought other quotes to ensure competitive pricing. The only alternative came from United, which proposed a higher premium of $1,272.74 per month and included higher deductibles, making it a less favorable option.

After a brief discussion, Trustee Martin Boban made a motion to renew the medical benefit program with Blue Cross Blue Shield at the new rate, which was seconded by Trustee Annette Vogt. The motion passed with a unanimous roll call vote, locking in the insurance coverage for township employees for another year.