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Whiteland approves Anthem MiWay health plan after staff review of provider access and employee feedback
Summary
Council approved a staff recommendation to adopt the Anthem MiWay (Anthem Advantage/MiWay Blue Access PPO) for town employee health coverage to broaden provider networks and modestly reduce employee premium cost; vote passed 4‑0.
Town manager Carmen recommended switching the town’s employee medical plan to Anthem MiWay (Anthem Advantage MiWay Blue Access PPO) to address employee concerns about limited provider networks under the current plan and to slightly reduce employee premium contributions.
Staff said the decision followed employee feedback and broker comparisons of renewal options from the existing carrier, UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. The recommended switch would move the town to a larger PPO network and, for the near term while joining the MiWay pool, produce a slightly lower employee deduction (staff cited an approximate latter‑day payroll deduction of about $46.15 under the new configuration versus roughly $49–$81 previously, figures described as approximate). The town manager said dental would see a minimal premium increase and vision unchanged.
Council asked how off‑cycle renewal timing would be handled; staff replied the MiWay pool’s April 1 renewal required some mid‑year alignment but that premiums quoted covered the transition and short‑term underwriting effects. Discussion included whether the town should revisit employee/employer premium shares on future renewals; council members agreed to monitor renewal underwriting.
A motion to accept the health insurance renewal and change provider to the recommended Anthem MiWay plan passed on roll call, 4‑0.
Staff said they will implement the change and communicate plan details and HRA offsets to employees.
