City Council approves Air Medicare transport insurance for 99 employees

During the recent City Alderman Meeting held on May 6, 2025, in Overton County, Tennessee, a significant discussion centered around the potential adoption of Air Evac insurance for city employees. This insurance, provided by Air Medicare, aims to cover air ambulance transport in critical medical situations, which could be life-threatening or lead to permanent disability.

The proposal highlighted that the cost for this insurance would be approximately $75 per employee, with an estimated 99 employees eligible for coverage. This translates to a total cost of over $7,000 for the city, based on initial calculations for 85 employees. The insurance would cover air transport if deemed medically necessary by attending medical professionals, ensuring that employees are not burdened with high costs associated with emergency air transport, which can range from $8,000 to $50,000.

Alderman Langford, who brought the proposal to the table, emphasized the importance of this coverage, particularly for employees who may require urgent medical attention while on or off the job. The discussion also touched on existing health insurance plans, which vary in coverage levels, with some plans covering a significant portion of air transport costs, while others may leave employees with substantial out-of-pocket expenses.

Concerns were raised regarding the specifics of household coverage under the proposed plan. While some members recalled that previous insurance policies included household coverage, there was uncertainty about whether this provision was included in the current proposal. This led to a request for clarification on the terms of the insurance policy.

Ultimately, Alderman Langford made a motion to accept the Air Evac insurance proposal, which received a second from Alderman Proctor. The motion reflects a proactive approach by the city to enhance employee benefits and ensure that workers have access to necessary medical services without facing financial hardship.

As the city moves forward with this proposal, the discussions underscore the importance of comprehensive health coverage for municipal employees, particularly in emergency situations. The decision will likely be finalized in upcoming meetings, as city officials continue to evaluate the best options for employee welfare.