The Mower County Board of Commissioners once again decided against changing its retirement health insurance eligibility policy for an ex-elected official.

The board on Tuesday denied former Auditor/Treasurer Doug Groh’s request to allow him to qualify for county retirement insurance. Though Groh more than exceeds county service requirements — Groh has technically worked for the county for 25 years, including 12 in elected office — he’s only 55 years old, or three years younger than the first age bracket needed to qualify for insurance.

“We’ve got a policy and I’m going to stick with it,” Commissioner Jerry Reinartz said. “We’d be setting a precedent.”

Groh’s policy would cost about $19,000 per year for family coverage, or about $8,000 per year for single coverage. Groh told the board he is currently on COBRA and must pay 100 percent of his costs.

The board previously declined a similar request from ex-commissioner Ray Tucker in 2013. Tucker, who was defeated by Polly Glynn in the 2012 election, was a year too young to qualify for the county’s retirement health insurance policy.

Groh may be able to get some assistance from the county, however. County employees can get a contribution for their health insurance, and ex-officials are technically considered retirees. In Groh’s case, Groh could receive up to $2,600 until he becomes old enough to draw Medicare. County officials weren’t sure retirees could get that contribution, however, and pledged to look into the matter.