During a recent Special City Council meeting in Missouri City, significant discussions centered around the renewal of employee health and disability insurance plans, which directly impact city employees and their families. The council reviewed proposals from various insurance providers, ultimately recommending a renewal with OAKS for life and long-term disability coverage, which will see a cost reduction of 4.7%.

The council also examined the medical and dental insurance options, particularly from Cigna, which proposed a maximum medical increase of 15% for the second year of coverage. This increase could be lower depending on the city's claims experience. Cigna's dental rates come with a guaranteed rate for two years, while vision services are offered with a four-year guarantee. The stability of these plans is crucial for city employees, ensuring they have reliable coverage without unexpected cost spikes.

To address rising costs, the council proposed an increase in contributions to health savings accounts for employees enrolled in high-deductible health plans. This adjustment includes a $250 increase for individual plans and a $500 increase for those covering dependents. Importantly, there will be no changes to flexible savings accounts or other voluntary plans.

As the council moves forward, they plan to focus on employee communications and open enrollment, ensuring that all staff are informed about their options and any changes to their benefits. The discussions highlighted the importance of balancing cost management with the need for comprehensive employee benefits, reflecting the city's commitment to supporting its workforce.