Kootenai County approves new employee medical benefits

COEUR d’ALENE — Kootenai County employees will be able to choose additional medical benefits for major procedures beginning Jan. 1.

Commissioners voted Tuesday to approve an agreement with Edison Healthcare, which provides coverage for “medical tourism” for complex procedures like transplants and spinal surgeries at certain facilities.

The county will pay $63,000 annually for the program, with the funds included as part of the fiscal year 2023 budget. Participation is voluntary for employees.

Members who utilize approved facilities, which include the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, pay no deductibles or out-of-pocket costs.

“If you have to have a major spine or neck surgery, or you have a diagnosis of cancer, they’ll help you find a physician in their SmartCare network,” said Human Resources Director Sylvia Proud. “You go for a second opinion and all your expenses are covered.”

In addition to those types of procedures, the program also covers adult and pediatric patients facing joint and orthopedic, heart and bariatric surgeries.

Out-of-state travel for second opinions or procedures are also covered.

“They coordinate everything for you at no expense to the individual or their companion,” Proud said.

Health insurance costs for county employees won’t increase next year. In July, commissioners approved a recommendation to make no changes to employee contribution or benefits in 2023.