King County employees should pay part of health tab

THE need for Metropolitan King County employees to pay part of their health-care premiums promises to be — and should be — a big topic in the county executive's race.

Candidates advocating for employee contributions to monthly premium costs are not being punitive toward public servants. They are realists who understand the precarious budget. County finances limp from crisis to crisis, in part because of outdated employment philosophy.

Candidate Fred Jarrett, state senator from Mercer Island, sensibly says all county employees should pay a portion of health premiums: "Almost every major employer in the region, including the cities of Seattle, Tacoma and Bellevue, the state of Washington and Snohomish County require monthly health-care premium contributions from their employees."

The average monthly contribution for these governments is $41.20 per employee. If county workers paid that amount, the county could save almost $7 million a year. Jarrett didn't say if that is the amount he would try to charge.

State Rep. Ross Hunter, a Medina candidate, offers no specific figures but says he would bargain hard with unions to ensure employees contribute to premiums.

The current approach, with costs escalating by roughly 29 percent during the past 6 years, is unsustainable.

County Councilmember Dow Constantine, another candidate, backs a plan requiring employees earning above a certain amount to contribute to health premiums, a plan that would save $1 million a year. The proposal is commendable because it is a start. But it does not save enough money.

County Councilmember Larry Phillips, another candidate, says everything should be on the table when negotiating upcoming contracts. He would not say if that includes requiring employees to pay a portion of premiums, but he aims to lower employee costs in general.

While county employees do not pay premiums, they do pay annual deductibles, a portion of drug costs and co-pays at the time of a doctor's visit. But the status quo of not paying premiums is zapping the budget, forcing cuts in needed services, including public safety.

The health plan must be retooled. Voters should insist on a candidate with a strong commitment to making this sensible policy change.