Title
Optional Employee and Retiree Pet Insurance Vendor Recommendation (Ordinance S-45013)
Description
This report requests City Council approval to enter into a contract with Nationwide to provide employee and retiree voluntary pet insurance benefits and further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse the necessary funds. There is no impact to the General Fund; the costs for these services are paid by monthly payroll deductions from eligible employees who enroll in the plan.
Report
Summary
Employees have expressed interest in receiving the option to purchase pet insurance, and in an effort to offer a valuable benefits package to employees, the Human Resources Department is seeking to add this as an optional benefit during the next open enrollment period.
Procurement Information
The Department issued a Request for Proposals on June 11, 2018 seeking proposals for a voluntary pet insurance provider for employees and retirees. No submittals were received. The Benefits Division conducted research and learned that Nationwide’s large corporate umbrella includes an established pet insurance vendor. In accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10, a Determination Memo was approved. The City has many years of success with secure data file transfers and transfer of funds with Nationwide, and staff believes working with this established vendor will be successful.
Contract Term
The contract term will be for one year beginning Jan. 1, 2019, with four one-year extensions to be exercised at the City’s discretion, providing maximum flexibility for the City as it offers this new benefit program.
Financial Impact
There is no cost to the City, and no impact to the General Fund. Pet insurance premiums are 100 percent paid by enrolled employees and retirees.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Acting Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the Human Resources Department.