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There was discussion that some of the City's employees that need family coverage have <br />elected to cover their spouse elsewhere or not at all. It is also important to keep in mind <br />that this year some employees were able to add their children to health insurance without <br />any out-of-pocket expense. <br /> <br />We went on to present the proposals that we had been thinking about. Marc's proposal <br />increases both the money the City contributes and the options it offers. This will help us <br />to compete with private sector employers. He suggested that all employees receive the <br />same dollar amount of benefit. Joan doesn't think the council would go for equal dollar <br />amounts but agrees that we need to offer more choices and flexibility. Lauren suggested <br />that the City cover the highest deductible Core benefits at each coverage level - <br />employee, employee & spouse, employee & child(ren), and family - and then give each <br />employee the same dollar amount to "buy up" to lower deductible coverage, elect other <br />optional benefits, contribute to their 457, or whatever the plan will allow. Scott thought <br />Lauren's idea has potential. Loft suggested a possible backup plan incase the Council <br />does not accept a Cafeteria Plan. We could go with a plan that has a high deductible and <br />set aside money to offset the deductible expenses for those who otherwise would pay <br />nothing but co-pays - typically those with employee only coverage. <br /> <br />At this point we discussed what we should do next. It was decided that the Committee <br />would like direction from the Council so we have an idea about what kind of plan they <br />would accept. We want to avoid spending many hours working on a plan that has little <br />chance of being accepted by the Council. <br /> <br />Lori will address the Council on March 20th to let them know that we would like to give <br />the employees flexibility and choice when selecting an insurance plan. We would like to <br />offer a Cafeteria Plan with multiple choices for health insurance. She will let them know <br />that this will cost the City more money and there is no way that we will make everyone <br />happy. The Committee is hoping for some good direction from the Council. <br /> <br />Respectfully submitted, <br /> <br />Lauren Wipper <br /> <br />G:kBENECOMMX3-3-00.DOC <br /> <br /> <br />