City of Milwaukee - File #: 252188

• File #: 252188
• Version: 1
• Type: Resolution
• Status: Passed
• File created: 4/21/2026
• In control: FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
• Final action: 6/2/2026
• Title: Substitute resolution relating to the enhancement and expansion of the Department of Employee Relations’ EAP/Mental Health and Wellness Benefits Program.
• Sponsors: COMMON COUNCIL
• Indexes: EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result	Tally
6/3/2026	1	MAYOR	SIGNED
6/2/2026	1	COMMON COUNCIL	ADOPTED; Minutes note: There was unanimous consent for all Common Council members to sponsor the file.	Pass	15:0
5/28/2026	1	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	RECOMMENDED FOR ADOPTION; Minutes note: Appearing: Molly King, DER Ms. King gave a presentation as contained in the file. There was discussion on out-of-pocket and medical costs, out-of-network and in-network care, strategy for all benefits, cost savings, impact on deductible and FSA, accessibility, EAP program, Ald. Moore listed as the sponsor to the file.	Pass	5:0
5/26/2026	1	CITY CLERK	DRAFT SUBMITTED
5/6/2026	0	FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE	HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIR	Pass	5:0
4/21/2026	0	COMMON COUNCIL	ASSIGNED TO

Number

251288

Version

SUBSTITUTE 1

Reference

Sponsor

COMMON COUNCIL

Title

Substitute resolution relating to the enhancement and expansion of the Department of Employee Relations’ EAP/Mental Health and Wellness Benefits Program.

Analysis

This resolution authorizes the Department of Employee Relations to implement benefit plan design changes to enhance and expand the existing Employee Assistance Program and Behavioral Mental Health program by transitioning to a new provider.

Body

Whereas, National data indicates that mental health is a critical workforce issue; and

Whereas, One in 5 adults in the United States experience mental illness each year, contributing to increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, and higher healthcare utilization when left unaddressed; and

Whereas, The Department of Employee Relations recognizes that mental health is a critical component of overall employee wellness, productivity, retention, and organizational performance; and

Whereas, The City of Milwaukee provides mental health and EAP services to all eligible employees and their families; and

Whereas, Current utilization data and program limitations under the existing Employee Assistance Program administered through UnitedHealthcare reflect constraints that limit meaningful clinical engagement, including a maximum of 3 counseling sessions per issue, average wait times of approximately 6 days, and a limited provider network; and

Whereas, Program limitations may delay care, reduce continuity of services, and contribute to increased utilization of higher-cost medical benefits when early intervention is not adequately supported; and

Whereas, The Department of Employee Relations seeks to strengthen its commitment to employee wellbeing by enhancing access, improving continuity of care, and expanding mental health benefits in a cost-effective and clinically appropriate manner; and

Whereas, Spring Health provides a modern, clinically-driven mental health platform designed to improve access to care, reduce wait times, and support personalized treatment pathways; and

Whereas, Transitioning the EAP from UnitedHealthcare and expanding benefits from 3 visits to 6 visits per issue will significantly improve employee access to care, support earlier intervention, and strengthen overall workforce wellbeing; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Employee Relations is authorized to execute all necessary contracts and implementation steps to effectuate the transition of the Employee Assistance Program from UnitedHealthcare to Spring Health.

Requester

Drafter

Department of Employee Relations

Molly King

4/14/2026

LRB181658-1