So far, so good with new insurer for WM employees

So far, so good with new insurer for WM employees

Insurance Commission looks at first- half figures

news@theeveningtimes.com

The West Memphis city insurance committee met to review the details of a new group health care plan for city workers. The agenda covered the bare-bones facts on the plan the city started in January.

“We looked at what we’ve paid in premiums and what they’ve paid out in claims,” said city Human Resources Manager, Janice Coleman.

The H.R. Director and the committee would have also heard complaints, but according to commission chairwoman Ramona Taylor, very little feedback has been received.

“Most questions have been about the pharmacy coverage,” Taylor said.

At the first of the year, the city switched insurance providers. The move saved the city six figures in premium payments compared to continuing with the previous company. Full-time permanent city employees pay $50 toward the total premium billed to the city.

More than 350 city employees take out the health insurance through the city. Carrying health insurance became mandatory for all Americans under the Affordable Health Care Act. The $600 per year, per employee contribution provides a comparatively inexpensive option for city workers.

“Most people would be happy to contribute just $50 toward their insurance,” said Mayor Bill Johnson.

The mayor provided a simple overview on the insurance math and switching from Cigna to United Health Insurance in 2016.

“It’s about $400,000 saved on 400 lives. That’s about $1,000 per employee,” said Mayor Bill Johnson. “That’s the reason we made the decision.” The list of participating physicians is also larger with United than it was under the previous plan.

“Doctor-wise you couldn’t see a difference,” said Councilman Taz Tyrone.

“For me and my family, it has been in prescriptions.”

“That’s what we have heard from employees, differences at the pharmacy,” said Taylor.

By John Rech