News 12 at 6 o'clock, October 7, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---Augusta Richmond County leaders are working to cut back on healthcare costs. Commissioner Joe Bowles is suggesting a self insurance policy.

"I think it's a wise move," said Ron Cross, chair of the Columbia County commission. The county has had the self-insured policy for the last 5 years.

"It's gonna save both sides money," said Cross. "The county is the greater benefactor...and of course when the county saves money the taxpayer in general saves money."

Of course, anything billed as a remedy always has side effects. "They objected to the mandatory physicals, and I don't know why because if something is wrong with me I wanna know about it."

You heard him. Employees are required to take yearly physicals as part of a wellness program geared at keeping employees healthy. The reward is lower premiums.

"If I can save money by following the directions of the health professionals then I want to do that," said Cross.

Cross says the county saves more than $1 million year. This comes at a time when everybody is looking to cut health-care costs.

"It just cost so much," said Cross. "The average family can't afford a serious illness without just depleting everything they've earned."

"Bottom-line," said Augusta commissioner Joe Bowles. "You wanna encourage your employees to become healthy because that decreases your health-care costs."

"It has some legs to stand-on," said Augusta commissioner Jerry Brigham. "Whether or not it has the votes to pass at this time is something else."

The coverage is capped at $150,000 per person in Columbia County. The city of Augusta is covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Commissioners voted to put out a request to other insurance companies. They are hoping to find a better deal.