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Committee backs Madison National for long-term disability; staff recommends MetLife for ancillary plans
Summary
Brainerd City staff recommended and the Personnel & Finance Committee approved keeping Madison National as the long-term disability carrier (a 10% proposed premium decrease with a three-year rate guarantee under the existing 180-day elimination period) and switching employee-paid ancillary plans to MetLife for 2026.
The Brainerd City Personnel and Finance Committee on Sept. 2 voted to accept staff recommendations to renew long-term disability (LTD) coverage with Madison National and to switch several ancillary plans to MetLife for 2026.
Chris Schubert, the city’s HR director, told the committee the city solicited proposals as required by law every five years when the employer pays part of a premium: “We are required by law to solicit proposals every 5 years for insurance plans when the employer pays for a portion of the premium.” He said three proposals were received and that Madison National, the incumbent, proposed a roughly 10% premium decrease and offered a three‑year rate guarantee if the city retains the existing 180‑day elimination period. Schubert said an alternative 90‑day elimination-period option would increase the premium about 17% and would require union negotiations.
The insurance committee also recommended switching the city’s dental, accident, critical‑illness and hospital plans to MetLife for 2026, based on competitive rates and plan terms in the packet. Schubert noted the premiums for those ancillary products are paid entirely by employees.
A committee member moved and seconded the combined recommendation; members voted in favor and the motion carried. The committee asked staff to confirm any enrollment or union‑negotiation steps and to note the effective date in the full council packet.
Next steps: staff will forward the packet and the committee’s recommendation to the full council for final action and finalize any required labor‑contract discussions before the vendor switch becomes effective.
