By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The City of Great Bend contracted with Gallagher Benefit Services and Freedom Claims Management, Inc. last March for health insurance and other city benefits consulting services. Trying to find the best options for city employees, the city council approved the continuation of the contract last week.
Mike Minton, representing Gallagher, said their consulting services saved the city between $50,000 and $60,000 on their 2024 plan.
"One of the bigger topics discussed was the prescription coverage side of things," said Minton. "That always comes with a cost. We're looking at ways on how to address that. We're digging in to find out what that would mean to the city and the employees."
Minton said one the main focuses last year was renegotiating with the city’s current medical provider by finding competitive bids and working with Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The partnership between the city and Gallagher and Freedom Claims has a rolling contract, but the council will reevaluate the consulting services in November.