Carlin council approves Sierra Health renewal; staff to offer zero-deductible PPO option

The Carlin City Council voted unanimously March 25 to renew the city’s employee medical plan with Sierra Health & Life (silver), and to offer employees an optional in‑network PPO plan that carries a zero deductible.

Nate Kerr of LP Insurance told the council that recent federal and market changes have made new options available — association health plans (AHPs) and level‑funding/self‑funding arrangements — but that retirees remaining on a municipal plan can restrict carrier choices. "If retirees are on the city's plan, options are limited to only two carriers," Kerr said, adding that the old League of Cities blending of rates is no longer available under the new AHP structure.

City Manager Richard Braithwaite told the council eight retired employees receive benefits under the state PEDP plan and are therefore not constraining the city's choice. Mayor Cameron Kinney said the council wanted employees to have both the Sierra silver HSA option and the zero‑deductible PPO as choices; after discussion, Denise Taylor moved to adopt that course and Joel Nalley seconded the motion. "The council voted unanimously in favor," the mayor said.

LP Insurance staff and council agreed to hold an employee education session to explain HSAs and plan choices before the renewal date. Insurance representatives cautioned that switching carriers generally resets calendar‑year deductibles and that the city could change plans before or after the June 1 renewal if a better option appeared in subsequent filings. The city will coordinate timing and employee outreach with LP Insurance ahead of renewal.