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Yankton to renew Avera health plans; city to continue paying single premiums in full
Summary
The City Commission approved the health insurance committee’s recommendation to renew Avera Health Plans with a 5.5% premium increase for 2026, keep employee single coverage city-paid, switch dental carriers to Sun Life and continue the employee assistance program (EAP) with no cost change.
The Yankton City Commission on Monday approved the city health insurance committee’s recommendations for 2026 coverage, including renewing with Avera Health Plans at a 5.5% premium increase and switching dental coverage to Sun Life.
City staff described the committee process: a nine-member committee representing AFSCME, FOP and nonrepresented employees met with benefits consultant Midwest Benefits (MNBEST) and reviewed carrier quotes, self-funding and other coverage options over the summer. ‘‘We meet back with Midwest Benefits and see the quotes typically early August, and that’s when the committee really kind of dives in and decides what changes we want to make,’’ the presenter said.
The committee recommended renewing Avera’s same low-deductible traditional plan and two high-deductible HSA plans for 2026; renew the standard vision plan; switch to Sun Life for dental at a decreased cost; continue the Avera EAP with no cost change; and continue city-paid 100 percent single coverage for employee health and dental. The city will continue to pay a $15,000 basic life policy at 100 percent for each employee. The wellness program will continue with additional time-off prizes.
A motion to approve passed on roll call with one abstention: Commissioner Mosher abstained because his spouse is a city employee. The remainder of the commissioners voted aye.
Why it matters: The decisions shape employee benefits, influence the city’s 2026 personnel budget and determine employee out-of-pocket costs where family or spouse coverage is elected. The committee said it solicited employee input during its review and asked MNBEST to seek alternative carrier options.
What’s next: Human resources and finance will implement the plan renewals and communicate enrollment changes and options to employees ahead of the 2026 plan year.
