Council adopts medical opt-out benefit and administrative-leave amendment; effective Jan. 1
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Summary
Council approved a resolution to add a medical opt-out benefit (with a 65% payment option) and to amend administrative-leave provisions; staff said the change aims to benefit employees and reduce city costs but the full savings depend on employee participation.
The South El Monte City Council adopted Resolution 25‑06‑3 amending the city’s medical opt‑out benefit and administrative-leave provisions. Finance Director Masami said the change is intended “to benefit employees and at the same time reduce cost of this city.”
Under the adopted approach, employees who can obtain comparable coverage through a spouse or other employer may opt out of the city’s health plan and receive a payout set at 65% of the premium. Masami told council the health-insurance renewal process occurs around October–November and that the opt-out would be effective January 1; the city will require proof of alternate coverage before any opt-out payment is issued.
Council moved, seconded and voted 5‑0 to adopt the resolution. Masami cautioned that projected cost savings depend on how many employees choose to opt out; staff will report actual participation figures after the benefit rollout and at annual renewal.
