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Committee approves one-year broker contract for Medicare-eligible retiree coverage; out-of-pocket maximum rises
Summary
The finance committee approved a one-year contract with AmWINS to broker 2026 coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees and recommended United American as the carrier; premiums remain the same but the annual out-of-pocket maximum will increase from $300 to $500.
The City of Charleston Finance Committee on Nov. 17 approved Resolution 25-112 authorizing the mayor or city manager to contract with AmWINS Group Benefits LLC to broker medical and prescription coverage for Medicare-eligible retirees for calendar year 2026.
Mr. Michaud told the committee AmWINS solicited proposals and staff recommend United American as the carrier after reviewing offers from United American, Transamerica and Hartford. He said the city’s retiree premiums have not increased since 2013 but the plan’s annual out-of-pocket maximum will rise from $300 to $500 for the year, a $200 increase. Pharmacy coverage will remain with Express Scripts, he added.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about whether the plan functions as supplemental Medicare coverage and about changes to out-of-pocket costs. A staff speaker explained that the city’s coverage acts as secondary to Medicare and includes pharmacy benefits. The committee adopted the resolution by voice vote, with the chair declaring the ayes.
The resolution covers only retirees who remain enrolled in the city’s Medicare-eligible retiree plan; the committee did not specify further changes to premiums or carriers beyond the 2026 term. The measure takes effect as authorized by the city manager’s contracting authority.
