Faribault County is adopting a voluntary employee wellness program in hopes of reducing future health insurance costs.
The Faribault County Board of Commissioners approved Project Blue, a cafeteria style benefits program offering telehealth, mental health services, wellness incentives, preventative care management and prescription services.
The program is optional for employees and does not reduce their compensation. Officials estimate it could save the county up to $52,000 annually in future insurance costs.
The county is also facing health insurance premium increases of nearly 25% for 2027, driven in party by claims. However, the county will absorb those increases for its employees, keeping health insurance costs unchanged for both union and non-union workers.
Officials say rising insurance costs are a challenge for other counties in the region as well, including Martin County and its Health and Human Services Agency.
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