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Council renews 2026 employee insurance plans; one council member votes no over consortium concerns
Summary
Xenia City Council approved Resolution 2025‑56 to renew the city’s 2026 employee insurance program with Jefferson Health Plan and other vendors, adopting the staff‑recommended package on a 6‑1 vote. Councilman Propst voted no, citing difficulties exiting the consortium.
XENIA, Ohio — The Xenia City Council on Oct. 23 approved Resolution 2025‑56 renewing the city’s 2026 employee insurance program, authorizing contracts with Jefferson Health Plan (JHP), Custom Design Benefits, Superior Dental, and UHC Group, among others. The measure passed 6‑1.
City management presented the insurance committee’s recommendation and renewal rates. City Manager (presenter) and benefits staff said the negotiated renewal with the Jefferson Health Consortium produced a 4.5% overall renewal rate for 2026, which officials described as notably lower than recent increases. Administrative Services Director Jackie Potter and staff members were present for council questions. The staff report listed plan specifics including a Teladoc consultation service, vision coverage with National Vision Administrators (no rate increase), Superior Dental (recommended renewal with an 11% decrease), and UHC Group life insurance (listed as an 11% increase with a two‑year rate guarantee as presented).
Benefits consultant/staff noted Teladoc utilization through August 2025 reflected claim savings of about $19,000. City staff said roughly 110 employees participate in the opt‑out program and that enrollment management services continue to support employees.
Councilman Crawford moved approval of Resolution 2025‑56; Councilman Walker seconded. Council discussion included a statement from Councilman Propst that he would vote no because of a professional connection and concern that participation in the Jefferson Health Plan consortium makes it difficult to exit the consortium; Propst said the consortium requires more than six months’ notice to withdraw, complicating market shopping. Councilman Crawford and other members expressed that the city had sought competitive terms and that stabilizing renewals helped mitigate costs for employees and the city. The roll call vote recorded Mayor Urschel, Councilmen Reynolds, Crawford, Walker, Councilwoman Sarris and President Smith voting aye; Councilman Propst voted no. The resolution carried 6‑1.
Staff said no substantial changes in coverage scope were recommended; the resolution authorizes execution of contracts for the 2026 plan year under the terms described in staff materials.
