Council Approves MetLife Contract for Employee Life Insurance Benefits

In a recent Metropolitan Council meeting held on July 23, 2025, significant discussions centered around employee benefits, particularly regarding insurance coverage for city-parish employees. The council approved a motion to renew a contract with MetLife Insurance Company to provide voluntary basic and optional term life insurance, effective January 1, 2026. This decision reflects ongoing efforts to enhance employee benefits while managing costs.

Councilwoman Gloria Grama raised concerns from employees regarding the Transamerica cancer policy, which is transitioning to a self-pay model. This change means that employees and retirees will need to contact Transamerica directly to continue their coverage, which will now be billed to them rather than deducted from their paychecks. The Human Resources Director clarified that while the current policy is based on a flat monthly fee, the new MetLife Critical Illness policy, which includes cancer coverage, will be age-based. This shift is expected to result in lower costs for employees, with the average employee seeing a decrease in their monthly premium.

The council emphasized that these changes aim to improve efficiency and provide cost-saving measures for employees. Council members encouraged employees to reach out to the HR payroll and benefits division for assistance with the transition, ensuring that support is available for those navigating these changes.

Additionally, the meeting highlighted a new approach to itemizing agenda items, which was noted by Councilwoman Dunn Junior. This change aims to provide clearer visibility into each item being discussed, enhancing transparency in council proceedings.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to addressing employee concerns while balancing the financial implications of benefit offerings. As the council moves forward, continued communication with employees will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition to the new insurance policies and to address any further questions or concerns.