Truckee staff outline options to extend CalPERS health coverage to council members

Town of Truckee staff presented options at a council workshop to extend health and welfare benefits available through CalPERS to current and future council members, and council members directed staff to return to a regular meeting with a resolution in January.

Staff presented multiple funding models — including full family coverage, employee-only coverage and a flat monthly stipend — and estimated the maximum annual cost to the town if all five council members elected full family coverage at about $166,000. "So the town participates in the CalPERS health program," said Bonnie, a town staff member who led the benefits overview, explaining that two primary plans are available in the Truckee area: PERS Gold and PERS Platinum. Bonnie also noted staff budgeted a 10% annual increase in premiums for planning purposes.

The presentation explained the practical differences between the two plans: Platinum generally has a lower deductible, lower maximum out-of-pocket and broader specialist access, while Gold is the lower-cost, more commonly selected plan. Bonnie told the council that most town employees (about 92%, excluding sworn police officers) are enrolled in the Gold plan, and that Blue Shield will be the CalPERS provider starting Jan. 1 under a recent RFP.

Town legal guidance clarified the limits and mechanics of offering benefits. Andy,…