Sierra Vista City Council shifts from PPO to EPO health insurance plan for employees

City Council members in Sierra Vista, Arizona, confirmed a significant shift in employee health insurance plans during a recent special work session. Starting with the new fiscal year, all city employees currently enrolled in the Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan will automatically transition to an Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) plan.

Council Member Rodriguez highlighted that this change was discussed in open enrollment sessions, emphasizing that the high deductible health plan will remain unchanged. The move to the EPO is aimed at keeping premiums as low as possible while expanding coverage options for employees.

One of the key benefits of the EPO plan is its broader network access, particularly for out-of-state care. Unlike the previous PPO plan, which did not cover out-of-state services, the EPO will allow employees to receive treatment in other states, such as California, without incurring additional out-of-network costs. This change is expected to enhance the healthcare options available to city employees, especially those seeking specialized treatments outside of Sierra Vista.

The city is working with Gallagher, a consulting team, to ensure that the transition is smooth and beneficial for all employees. As the city prepares for this shift, officials are optimistic about the potential for improved healthcare access and affordability for its workforce.