Legislation Details

File #: 252188    Version:
Type: Resolution Status: Passed
File created: 4/21/2026 In control: FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
On agenda: Final action: 6/2/2026
Effective date:    
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
Attachments: 1. DER Memo to F&P Members, 2. Fiscal Impact Statement, 3. DER Presentation, 4. Hearing Notice List
Date Ver.Action ByActionResultTallyAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
6/3/20261 MAYOR SIGNED   Action details Meeting details Not available
6/2/20261 COMMON COUNCIL ADOPTED

Minutes note: There was unanimous consent for all Common Council members to sponsor the file.
Pass15:0 Action details Meeting details Not available
5/28/20261 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.
Pass5:0 Action details Meeting details Video Video
5/26/20261 CITY CLERK DRAFT SUBMITTED   Action details Meeting details Not available
5/6/20260 FINANCE & PERSONNEL COMMITTEE HELD TO CALL OF THE CHAIRPass5:0 Action details Meeting details Video Video
4/21/20260 COMMON COUNCIL ASSIGNED TO   Action details Meeting details Not available
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...

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