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Council selects Cigna for 2026 group medical plan; approves contribution change and subsidy to first responders
Summary
After a market RFP and best-and-final offers, East Point City Council on Oct. 6 approved Cigna as the municipal group medical carrier for 2026 and adopted funding changes ("Alternative 1") that share a portion of the premium increase with employees while preserving a subsidy for first responders and family tiers. Council recorded a roll-call vote;
East Point City Council voted on Oct. 6 to select Cigna as the city—s group medical carrier for plan-year 2026 and to adopt a funding approach that shares a portion of the renewal cost with employees while preserving a subsidy for first responders.
Benalytics, the city—s benefits advisor, presented results of a competitive RFP. Auditors of the proposals showed Aetna (the incumbent) quoted a roughly 36% renewal increase; Cigna and UnitedHealthcare proposals were in the mid-20% range and Anthem submitted the lowest initial bid with a one‑time premium credit. Because Aetna did not offer a second‑year rate cap, Benalytics recommended Cigna for cost and second‑year protection. Presenters said the city could expect a net budget impact but that carrier change would reduce the 2026 cost to the city compared with remaining with Aetna.
Council first voted to approve Cigna as the city's medical carrier for 2026. Later, after debate about employee contributions and a two-year subsidy for first responders that expires this year, Council considered three contribution alternatives. The winning motion (moved by Councilmember Butler) adopted “Alternative 1” and added full retention of the first‑responder and family subsidy for 2026. Under the adopted package Benalytics provided, the city—s estimated additional annual net cost for the chosen option (including the retained subsidies) was presented in the meeting materials as roughly $1.58 million; employee monthly premium impacts were presented in ranges depending on tier.
Roll-call on the final funding motion recorded two dissenting votes. Councilmember Martin Rogers and Councilmember Shropshire registered “no” on the motion; other voters cast "aye" and the motion carried. The city manager and benefits broker said open enrollment and carrier transition steps would begin immediately; staff and the broker will provide enrollment materials and in‑person sessions to help employees verify provider networks and prescription coverage under the new carrier.
Ending — Council confirmed the new medical carrier and funding approach and asked staff and Benalytics to manage open enrollment, notify employees about network changes and begin the administrative transition to Cigna.
