Weston approves Blue Cross renewal for city employee health plan despite 17.54% premium jump

The Weston City Commission voted unanimously Jan. 20 to renew health insurance coverage for the city’s 12 employees and their families with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida.

City finance staff said a consultant’s market analysis found Florida Blue offered the best combination of benefits, network access and cost for Weston’s small group, though the renewal carries a 17.54% premium increase that raises the city’s total monthly premium to $35,317.98. Staff said several major insurers (Aetna, Cigna, Humana) declined to provide quotes because the city’s group is too small to underwrite, leaving Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and AvMed as practical options; UnitedHealthcare’s quotes were roughly 30% higher and AvMed’s rates were outliers.

Commissioners asked about plan choice and continuity of care. Staff confirmed employees may choose between two Florida Blue plan designs (a co‑pay plan and an HSA‑eligible plan) but must remain within the Florida Blue offerings under the recommended contract. Vice Mayor Henry Meade and others said continuity of provider networks can be an important public benefit for employees; staff noted current contracts with some local hospital systems remain in force through March 31, 2026 and said the city may revisit the coverage if major network contracts are not renewed.

The resolution required a four‑fifths vote for procedural waivers and the commission approved the contract renewal after discussion of market constraints and potential midyear reevaluation if hospital network coverage changes.

The vote: unanimous approval. The commission noted the policy covers only city staff and not elected officials.