Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Employee Benefits topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Alderman raises concern that Blue Cross Blue Shield plan may drop retinal screening coverage
Summary
During the finance committee report Alderman Bugg said he learned retinal screenings previously covered under the city's vision plan with Cigna are not covered under the city's new Blue Cross Blue Shield plan; HR said it will follow up with the benefits consultant.
Alderman Bugg raised a coverage concern Sept. 16 during the finance committee report, saying he had learned that retinal screenings previously covered under the city's vision provider were no longer covered under the new Blue Cross Blue Shield arrangement. Director of Human Resources Elizabeth Coronado said she would follow up with the city's benefits consultant.
Why it matters: Retinal screening coverage can affect employees and retirees who require routine eye-health services. Alderman Bugg said he discovered the change after attending a screening himself.
What was said: Bugg told the council, “I learned, under our vision, under Blue Cross Blue Shield that the retinal screenings are no longer covered. They were covered under Cigna.” Director Elizabeth Coronado replied that she was not aware of a plan-structure change and would “follow-up with Usher Partners and get back to you.”
Council action: The underlying health-insurance and COBRA-rate resolutions were reported out of committee and placed on the consent agenda; no immediate benefit-plan changes or appropriations were adopted at the Committee of the Whole.
Next steps: HR staff will confirm current coverage details with the consultant and report back to council.
