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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alisia Lewis, Director of Human Resources
DATE: August 22, 2017
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Benefit Consulting Services with Group Alternatives, Inc. For The Period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
PURPOSE:
To obtain authorization to renew the agreement with Group Alternatives, Inc. for benefit consulting services.
BACKGROUND:
Group Alternatives, Inc. is a benefit consulting firm specializing in large employers, partnering with clients to control costs and maximize benefit offerings. The city first began utilizing Group Alternatives services in 2015 to facilitate the RFP process for the third party administration of benefits. They assisted the city through the evaluation period which resulted in CIGNA being selected for the city's third party administrator (TPA). Since that time, Group Alternatives has provided services including but not limited to, funding analysis, financial and compliance implications of legislative changes, provider network analysis including access and claim impact, ombudsmen with CIGNA and other contracted benefit providers and development of employee wellbeing strategies.
DISCUSSION:
Group Alternatives has been instrumental in helping the city to implement cost effective changes while at the same time maintaining a robust benefit plan for our employees and retirees. They have negotiated the 2018 renewal agreement with Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, prescription benefits manager and stop loss services. They are actively assisting management in analyzing data that will play a significant role in upcoming union negotiations. Council approval is needed for professional services over $25,000.
The 2017 City Budget provides $36,800 for this item in account 101-1220-602-0000-410-4599
Attached is the agreement for you reference.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
N/A
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council authorize the renewal of an agreement with Group Alternatives, Inc. to provide benefit consulting services.
cc: Alex Alexandrou, Chief Management Officer
Stacey Hamling, Interim Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer
Wendy McCambridge, City Clerk
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution Authorizing an Agreement with Group Alternatives, Inc. to Provide Benefit Consulting Services For The Period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.
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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, the City of Aurora is in need of benefit consulting services; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to enter into a renewal contract with Group Alternatives, Inc. for consulting service related to benefits management; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 City Budget provides $36,800 for this item in account 602-0000-410-4599.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that a renewal contract for year beginning January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017 is hereby approved for the purpose of benefit consulting services.