Number
030311
Version
SUBSTITUTE 1
Reference
Sponsor
THE CHAIR
Title
Substitute resolution authorizing the Department of Employee Relations to work with the Basic Plan Administrator and the Basic Plan's Prescription Benefit manager to educate employees and retirees regarding cost benefits and discounts concerning prescription medications.
Analysis
This resolution authorizes the Department of Employee Relations to work with the Basic Plan Administrator and the Basic Plan's Prescription Benefits manager to educate City employees and retirees regarding cost benefits and discounts concerning prescription medications.
Body
Whereas, The City of Milwaukee currently provides health insurance to employees and retirees through a self-funded Basic Plan administered by WPS; and
Whereas, Employees and retirees enrolled in the Basic Plan pay 20% of the discounted cost of any prescription medication, and the City pays 80% of the discounted price; and
Whereas, WPS currently has a contract with Merck regarding these discounted prices and additional discounts for prescription medications purchased by persons enrolled in the self-funded Basic Plan; and
Whereas, Merck is proposing that educating employees and retirees about high cost employees' prescription medications when there are alternatives available can reduce the employees' and the employer's costs; and
Whereas, Merck and WPS are aware that any changes in prescription medications are made voluntarily by the members and their doctors; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Department of Employee Relations is authorized to notify persons enrolled in the Basic Plan that they may receive educational cost saving information about prescription medications, but they, with advice of their doctors, can voluntarily make these prescription drug changes; and, be it
Further Resolved, That WPS is authorized to contact Merck, its Prescription Drug Benefit manager, and inform it that its efforts to educate employees and retirees about high cost medications as well as its efforts to reduce such costs for everyone are welcome; and, be it
Further Resolved, That employees and retirees in the Basic Plan are aware that they and their doctors have the freedom of selecting the prescription medications that are best for them.
Requestor
DER-Employee Benefits Division
Drafter
LRB03261-2
TWM/cac
6/12/2003