MARION - Today marks the one-year anniversary of Williamson County's retirement health insurance plan. And by all accounts, it's been a success.

Board Chair Brent Gentry, who introduced the plan that was readily adopted by fellow board members Tracey Glenn and Bob Barnett late last fall, said he couldn't be happier that the county is able to provide assistance for those who deserve it the most - retirees.

"The plan is funded from the wage disparity that occurs in the first year that the departing employee retires," Gentry said. "By using these funding mechanisms, the plan appears fully funded. With this being the first full year of the plan, it is continuing to evolve.

"The county will continue to watch the funding status and employee participation to determine if there are any necessary adjustments to the plan as time goes by."

Eligibility requirements include age limits, 10 years of continuous or non-continuous service and an irrevocable statement of retirement and election for the insurance.

Employees with 10 to 20 years of service pay 75 percent of the monthly premium, plus any amount above the maximum monthly county contribution, while the county will pay the balance.

Likewise, employees with 20 to 25 years pay 50 percent and those with 25 or more years of service will pay 25 percent of the monthly premium.

Late last year, Louise Valco with the assessor's office became the first county employee to take advantage of the new retirement plan.

Valco, now 77, said previously that the supplemental coverage to Medicare has paid great dividends to her.

Joining Valco as retirees this year are: Rima English (assessor's office); Glenda King (county clerk's office); William Newbold (highway department); and Barb Pulley (county clerk's office).

English, who resides in Herrin, retired from the assessor's office in July. She had also spent 20 years with general assistance.

"Without the new health insurance plan, I wouldn't have been able to retire at age 55," English said. "Having this insurance is a godsend. I just can't say enough good things about it."

Gentry stressed that county employees of retirement age are not required to participate in the retirement health insurance program.

"I have been contacted by several counties and municipalities for copies of this plan for possible use," Gentry said. "And one of the best parts of the plan is that we can provide it at absolutely no added taxpayer cost."

john.homan@thesouthern.com / 351-5805