During the City Council meeting on March 3, 2025, significant discussions centered around the city's healthcare navigation program, revealing critical gaps in the current system that could lead to substantial financial losses for the city. The meeting highlighted the absence of care navigation, which is essential for directing employees to high-quality, low-cost healthcare facilities. This lack of guidance has resulted in missed savings opportunities, estimated between $140,000 and $280,000 over the past year alone.

The analysis presented during the meeting emphasized the importance of utilizing historical claims data to identify potential savings. By examining the previous 24 months of claims experience, the city could have benefited from partnerships with various healthcare vendors, including local options like Johnson Memorial Health. This approach not only aims to retain healthcare spending within the city but also fosters local partnerships that can enhance community health services.

Moreover, the discussion pointed out the need for better tracking of health trends and claims data. Currently, the city lacks ongoing dashboards and insights into large claims, which complicates the renewal process for healthcare plans. Without this data, city officials are left to question the fairness of renewal terms, potentially leading to unfavorable agreements.

The implications of these discussions are significant for the city of Franklin and its employees. By implementing effective care navigation strategies and improving data tracking, the city could enhance healthcare outcomes while also realizing considerable cost savings. As the council moves forward, addressing these gaps will be crucial in ensuring that city employees receive the best possible care while also managing the city's healthcare expenditures effectively.