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TO: Mayor John Laesch
FROM: Brittany Everett, Benefits Coordinator & Brian Caputo, Chief Operating Officer
DATE: 3/18/2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing EyeMed to administer vision insurance for active employees and retirees Effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026
PURPOSE:
To approve the EyeMed 2026 vision insurance contract that is now being administered directly through EyeMed.
BACKGROUND:
In 2025 The City of Aurora used Dearborn Group to administer vision benefits via EyeMed. The City of Aurora provides a self-funded health plan for active employees and pre-Medicare retirees through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Employees and retirees with the PPO, HDHP and Humana Advantage plans (provided they had prior PPO coverage) receive an EyeMed vision insurance plan included as a benefit at no additional charge. All other benefit eligible employees and retirees have the option to upgrade for an additional cost.
DISCUSSION:
Resolution 25-0711 was presented to Finance on 9/11/25 with the intent that the Vision Plan would be included with the medical plan approval. However, the proposal was inadvertently omitted.
City of Aurora Administration Fee's (Employer Cost)
2025 $1.31 per member per month (EyeMed- Dearborn Group/BCBS)
2026 $0.95 per member per month (EyeMed)
Cost to Employees/Retirees who are not enrolled in a PPO or HDHP medical plan
**Included with the PPO & HDHP plan at no additional cost to employees/retirees**
Employee Only Employee + Spouse Employee + Child(ren) Employee + Family
Year Per Month Per Month Per Month Per Month
2025 $17.76 $44.40 $35.52 $62.16
2026 $17.76 $44.40 $35.52 $62.16
We currently have a total of 181 paying members, and a total count of 1355 members on the plan.
In 2026, the coverage under EyeMed plan will change as follows-
-2025 Retinal Imaging Up to $39 In-network member cost
-2026 Retinal Imaging included $0 copay In-network member cost
-2025 Medically Necessary Contacts $0 copay In-network Not covered Out-of-network
-2026 Medically Necessary Contacts $0 copay In-network Up to $300 Out-of-network
-2025 Materials Allowance $500 In-network Up to $350 Out-of-network reimbursement
-2026 Materials Allowance $500 In-network Up to $450 Out-of-network reimbursement
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impact.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Place on the Finance Committee calendar for approval to City Council.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing EyeMed Vision Care, LLC ("EyeMed") and First American Administrators, Inc. to administer vision insurance for active employees and retirees from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, EyeMed provides vision benefits to employees and retirees on a group plan basis.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: That the Mayor and/-or the Chief of Human Resources are hereby authorized to execute the attached Fee for Service Agreement with EyeMed Vision Care, LLC ("EyeMed") and First American Administrators, Inc., with such changes as may be approved by the City's Corporation Counsel as to form.