Committee authorizes study of mayoral benefit items, including lower‑cost plan and PPO maxima changes

Committee members moved and approved a recommendation to study three items flagged by the mayor and HR: (1) a lower‑cost medical plan option for employees who cannot afford current coverage, (2) changing PPO out‑of‑pocket maximums/deductibles/co‑pays to align with peer cities, and (3) modeling a range of plan designs to evaluate affordability and fiscal impacts. "I would love for the committee to make recommendations on both," a benefits staff member said, recommending both higher‑deductible plan designs and a low‑cost option be analyzed.