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Stafford council approves 2026 health plan after negotiated rate cut and plan design changes
Summary
Council voted to keep Blue Cross Blue Shield for medical coverage after consultants negotiated the insurers proposed increase from about 16% to 7% and secured a $50,000 administrative credit; changes to plan design and vendor switches for flexible spending and COBRA administration were also approved.
The Stafford City Council on Oct. 1 approved the citys recommended health insurance providers and related plan changes for calendar year Jan. 12026 through Dec. 31, 2026, following a presentation by the citys benefits consultants and a period of council discussion.
City consultants told the council that an initial proposal from Blue Cross Blue Shield would have raised premiums by about 16 percent; after negotiations the city obtained a 7 percent increase and a $50,000 administrative credit. To reach that rate the consultants recommended plan-design changes including shifting some laboratory and imaging charges (Quest Diagnostics, LabCorp examples cited) out of an office copay and toward balance billing in certain circumstances. The council approved the recommended package in a recorded motion; councilors indicated support for the…
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