Item Coversheet
 
AGENDA REQUEST FORM
CITY OF CAPE CORAL
Item Number:
A.(4)
Meeting Date:10/18/2023
Item Type:CONSENT AGENDA
 
TITLE:
Resolution 278-23 Approve Contract Extension (RFP#HR18-118/KS) with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (Florida Blue) for Employee Benefits for Medicare at an estimated amount of $389,997.36; and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the contract, renewals, related documents, purchase orders and change orders; Department: Human Resources; Estimated Dollar Value $389,997.36; (General Fund)

ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:

WHAT THE RESOLUTION ACCOMPLISHES:

The Resolution approves an extension of contract between the City of Cape Coral and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. for employee benefits for Medicare and authorizes the City Manager or his designee to execute the BlueMedicare Group Master Agreement effective January 1, 2024 and any related purchase orders.



REQUESTED ACTION: 
Approve or Deny
SUMMARY EXPLANATION AND BACKGROUND:

The City of Cape Coral offers Medicare-eligible retirees an option of two plans: a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription coverage or a plan with prescription coverage only through Florida Blue. These Medicare plans renew each year and require signed agreements. Federal and state governments regulate Medicare plans and pricing. These Medicare plans coordinate with the City’s larger medical plan. Medicare plans are the primary (first) payor on claims, creating cost savings for the City.

 

On November 5, 2018, Council adopted Resolution 242-18 awarding a contract for Group Medicare Supplemental Insurance to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (Florida Blue). The contract started in 2019 Plan Year with up to four additional one-year periods from Plan Years 2020 through 2023.

 

Gehring Group, the City’s benefits broker, was able to leverage our long-term partnership with Florida Blue and negotiate a 0% increase for the 2024 benefits plan year. The annual estimated cost is $389,997.36.

 

Based on the favorable quote from Florida Blue and Gehring Group’s recommendation, Staff requests a one-year extension with Florida Blue for the City’s Medicare Advantage Plans. The one-year extension includes a guarantee of services and rates for 12 months, expiring December 31, 2024.   A request for Proposal will be issued for 2025 Benefit Plan year.

 

If approved, the extension with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (Florida Blue) for Employee Benefits for Medicare Plan Year 2024, at an estimated cost of 389,997.36, will expire on December 31, 2024.



STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:

 1. Is this a Strategic Decision? 
  If Yes,  Priority Goals Supported are listed below. 
  If No, will it harm the intent or success of the Strategic Plan? 
RECOMMENDATIONS:

Staff recommends approval of the Contract Extension (RFP#HR18-118/KS) with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (Florida Blue) for Employee Benefits for Medicare at an estimated amount of $389,997.36.



SOURCE OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Mark Mason, Interim Human Resources Director, mmason@capecoral.gov, 239-574-0528

FISCAL IMPACT/FUNDING SOURCES(S)/BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:

Funding: General Fund Government Services.

Contributions that are required by retirees for dependent coverage are processed through pension deductions or individual direct payment.


 1. Will this action result in a Budget Amendment? No
PREPARED BY:
Wanda Roop Division- Procurement  Department-Finance 
ATTACHMENTS:
DescriptionType
1. Resolution 278-23Resolution
2. Gehring Group recommendationBackup Material