Cleveland Advocate - News
Commissioners court changes insurance, signs juvenile defendant agreement
By ALEX WUKMAN
The Liberty County Commissioners Court voted to increase insurance coverage for county employees and their families. The vote expanded the limits for chiropractic, dental, orthodontic and preventive care.
The decision to expand the limits was made based upon the recommendations of a committee appointed by the court. The committee’s recommendation stated that increasing the limits for preventive care encourages employees to seek annual examinations, exams that increase the chances for the early detection of serious health risks.
Not only does early detection increase the range of treatment options available, but it increases the odds that those treatment options will be successful and it saves the county money. The commissioners also voted to eliminate the deductible for generic prescription drugs and to increase employee contribution to the insurance plan.
County employees will now have to pay 15 percent more. For employees with dependents, the increase is expected to be approximately $28 per month; employees without dependents can expect to pay $3 more per month.
Additionally the commissioners voted to sign an interlocal agreement with Montgomery County for the detention of juvenile offenders. The county already has in place agreements with Hardin and Jefferson counties.
County Judge Phil Fitzgerald said that he expects the cost to be approximately $100 per day to house Liberty County’s juvenile inmates in Montgomery County’s facility.
“Most of the counties charge about $100 per day,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald also stated that the new agreement was signed because “situations can arise where it’s an emergency and we can’t find a place for them [the juvenile defendants] to stay.”
However Fitzgerald was quick to point out that prolonged incarceration is rare for juveniles.
“They have to be a danger to themselves or others. Usually within a few days we can find a permanent place for them,” said Fitzgerald.
The decision to expand the limits was made based upon the recommendations of a committee appointed by the court. The committee’s recommendation stated that increasing the limits for preventive care encourages employees to seek annual examinations, exams that increase the chances for the early detection of serious health risks.
Not only does early detection increase the range of treatment options available, but it increases the odds that those treatment options will be successful and it saves the county money. The commissioners also voted to eliminate the deductible for generic prescription drugs and to increase employee contribution to the insurance plan.
County employees will now have to pay 15 percent more. For employees with dependents, the increase is expected to be approximately $28 per month; employees without dependents can expect to pay $3 more per month.
Additionally the commissioners voted to sign an interlocal agreement with Montgomery County for the detention of juvenile offenders. The county already has in place agreements with Hardin and Jefferson counties.
County Judge Phil Fitzgerald said that he expects the cost to be approximately $100 per day to house Liberty County’s juvenile inmates in Montgomery County’s facility.
“Most of the counties charge about $100 per day,” said Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald also stated that the new agreement was signed because “situations can arise where it’s an emergency and we can’t find a place for them [the juvenile defendants] to stay.”
However Fitzgerald was quick to point out that prolonged incarceration is rare for juveniles.
“They have to be a danger to themselves or others. Usually within a few days we can find a permanent place for them,” said Fitzgerald.
Copyright © 2009 - Houston Community Newspapers Online