Committee moves to adopt dental plan without orthodontic coverage

Staff presented two dental proposals—one including orthodontic coverage and one without—and explained the trade-offs in coverage and premiums. The packet listed an individual participation figure of "$27.50" and staff said the city currently covers the full individual rate while sharing additional plan costs with employees using a formula (referenced in discussion as "$85.15"). "They had 2 proposals that they gave us. 1 with orthodontic coverage and 1 without," the Staff member said during the meeting.

Committee members questioned how often employees use orthodontic benefits and whether Delta could provide usage records. A committee member described Delta as "so restrictive," and staff said Delta cannot produce the historic usage data the committee would need to base a coverage decision solely on past claims. After discussion the Staff member proposed moving forward without orthodontic coverage: "So I was gonna have her go ahead with the no ortho. Do you guys agree with that?" Committee members signaled agreement; staff said those premium numbers may fall further after negotiation and noted the change falls within the current budget.