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TO: Mayor Richard C. Irvin
FROM: Alisia Lewis, Director of Human Resources
DATE: December 1, 2017
SUBJECT:
A Resolution Authorizing Renewal of Benefit Consulting Services with Group Alternatives, Inc. For The Period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
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 2018 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 pro...
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