Cabarrus County approves insurance broker change

Published on January 22, 2026

As Cabarrus County continues Fiscal Year 2026-27 (FY27) budget preparations, a variety of concepts are being considered to reduce the overall budget.

“The County’s agreement with USI for insurance broker services expires December 1, 2026. Due to the various timelines involved with budget planning, the need to conduct open enrollment in May, and the County’s fiscal year ending June 30, it would be prudent to select a new broker now,” Board Chair Laura Blackwell Lindsey said in Tuesday’s Board of Commissioner’s Regular Meeting, reading from the Agenda summary. “The goal of improving employee benefits while saving taxpayer money would be best served by acting prior to December 1.”

Following discussion, Commissioners voted to enter into an agreement with the Pierce Group and terminate the relationship with the County’s current insurance broker.

Insurance brokers act as intermediaries between their clients and insurance providers to find the optimal coverage for their clients. Pierce Group will find, compare and negotiate health plans, as well as supplemental plans like disability and critical illness coverage, to best serve the County’s needs and budget.

Pierce Group and Cabarrus County will collaborate on FY27 health insurance options for current employees and retirees. Current plans for employees and retirees will remain as is until July 1.

Budget discussions will continue throughout the coming months. The board’s annual budget retreat is scheduled for Feb. 27 and 28.  

Residents can watch commissioner meetings, including Tuesday’s Regular Meeting, on the Cabarrus County livestream at cabarruscounty.us, on YouTube (@CabarrusCounty) and on CabCo TV (Spectrum Cable Channel 22). The discussion on insurance occurs at 59:00 in the YouTube recording: https://youtu.be/Z7BVfNhIRHE?si=WYErFfRUpHjp6jVe&t=3540.