Union County has made important updates to the retiree health plan to enhance benefits, improve service and ensure long-term financial sustainability. Effective July 1, 2025, the County transitioned to the Blue Cross Blue Shield medical network and Sun Life dental plan, providing retirees with better support, expected cost savings and a more seamless claims experience. 

As part of this change, we no longer offer two plan options (traditional or direct primary care), and instead moved to streamline to one health plan. Additionally, dental coverage is now offered separately, providing customization for each retiree’s needs.

Benefits of this change include:

• Retirees and the County save money due to negotiated network discounts with Blue Cross.
• Streamlining to one health plan means retirees and medical providers experience a smoother claims process, reducing miscommunication and delays.
• Retirees receive better customer service and responsiveness from our new plan administrators.
• Core plan premiums did not increase, ensuring continued affordability.
• Retirees have more flexibility in choosing a primary care provider.
• We are offering a new health benefit exclusively for all county employees, retirees and dependents on the health plan - a dedicated health & wellness center managed by Atrium Health. The center at 412 East Franklin Street in Monroe provides high-quality, convenient care ensuring better access to a quick, easy and cost-effective healthcare services.
• Sun Life offers a robust dental network in the area, providing discounts on covered services when an in-network provider is used. You may still use an out-of-network provider, but this new option of choosing an in-network provider allows your dollar to go further by reducing the cost of covered dental services.

If you have questions, please contact our benefits consultant by emailing UCMcGriffService@mcgriff.com.

McGriff provides innovative employee benefits strategies that help manage costs, drive employee engagement, and allow HR more time to focus on strategic initiatives. McGriff’s services include plan design recommendations, funding analysis, carrier negotiations, proposal analysis and the implementation of our program.