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Board reviews 2026–27 employee health plan; pharmacy benefits to move to Northwind
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Summary
Staff told the Renewal Board that Northwind Pharmaceutical will take over prescription benefits and recommended the 04/01/2026–03/31/2027 renewals. Employee premiums will rise slightly (about $12/month single, up to about $25/month family); deductibles and coinsurance remain unchanged.
The Renewal Board of Public Works and Safety reviewed proposed employee health-plan renewals for the 04/01/2026–03/31/2027 plan year and approved staff’s recommendation to proceed with the contracts as presented.
Staff said Northwind Pharmaceutical will assume the city’s prescription benefit administration previously handled through Anthem, while Anthem and Mutual of Omaha continue to provide other lines of coverage. A staff representative said pharmacy administration changes will add a new drug tier for certain non-biosimilar medicines and that the plan includes rebate and patient-assistance programs intended to reduce some copays.
Board members were told the overall plan design will not change: deductibles, coinsurance and most co-pays remain the same. Staff noted a modest premium increase to offset rising claim costs—approximately $12 per month for single coverage and up to about $25 per month for family coverage. The board asked technical questions about stop‑loss levels and weekly claim reporting; staff confirmed the city self‑funds claims below the stop‑loss threshold and tracks high‑cost claims for management purposes.
The board moved and approved the renewals as presented. Staff member Pierre was on hand to answer implementation questions and legal review of the Northwind contract was described as pending.
