Council authorizes one-year contract with Medical Mutual after insurer's double-digit offer, city goes to market

Mount Vernon City Council on May 12 adopted Resolution 2025-50 authorizing the safety-service director to enter a 2025–26 medical insurance agreement with Medical Mutual of Ohio.

City safety-service director Tanner Salyers told council Medical Mutual initially proposed a double-digit premium increase. After a market solicitation, the city received two serious proposals and negotiated options that reduced the increase to about 7.89% for the upcoming plan year. "We still are going to see roughly, even after going out to market, a 7.89% increase in premiums," Salyers said. He said the city will keep Medical Mutual as the carrier.

Salyers described changes to employee benefits and enrollment options: the city has moved from a two-tier plan to a four-tier design (employee, employee–spouse, employee–children, family), will add a health savings account (HSA) option with a higher deductible and lower premium, and will continue vision and dental contracts for now. The city will also add enrollment management services (to help employees compare coverage and transition to Medicare), a hearing conservation program (audiometric testing and PPE), and an employee assistance program (EAP) offering counseling and behavioral-health supports for safety personnel and other employees.

Council suspended the rules and moved the resolution to third reading and then adopted it by roll call. Council member Keener, who sponsored the motion, said the item was straightforward and necessary because the city's contract was nearing expiration.

Ending: City staff said they will continue employee education on plan choices and the new enrollment services; the resolution authorizes the safety-service director to execute the contract so coverage continues without interruption.