Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the City to provide City employees with coverage for costs associated with gender reassignment. The 2018 Adopted Budget includes $250,000 for this benefit along with domestic partnership health insurance. Both programs are offered to employees through a reimbursement program.
Title
Authorizing the City of Madison to provide coverage for medically necessary procedures, services, and supplies associated with gender reassignment, from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.
Body
WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin Group Insurance Board voted on August 22, 2018, to reinstate coverage for medically necessary procedures, services, and supplies related to surgery and related hormones associated with gender reassignment for all participants in the State of Wisconsin Group Health Insurance program beginning January 1, 2019; and,
WHEREAS, the Group Insurance Board’s restoration of this coverage is not retroactive, thereby creating a gap in coverage from February 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018; and,
WHEREAS, the City appropriated $250,000 in the 2018 Operating Budget to cover Domestic Partnerships & Transgender-Inclusive Health Benefits; and,
WHEREAS, the City anticipates less than $50,000 in stipends will be issued related to Domestic Partnerships through 2018, based on Quarter 1 and 2 utilization, thereby leaving a sufficient balance to provide this coverage; and,
WHEREAS, the City will contract with Total Administrative Services Corporation (TASC) to administer the program at a cost of $650.00 for a one-time set up of the program, $100 per month to administer the program and a $250 yearly renewal fee,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Common Council of the City of Madison, that the City of Madison will provide coverage for medically necessary procedures, services, and supplies related to surgery and related hormones associated with gender reassignment from January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018 with a $500 deductible and a $25,000 lifetime maximum benefit per individual; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the proper City Departments are authorized and directed to take all action necessary to establish the program and provide the benefits utilizing the remainder of funds allocated in the 2018 Operating Budget.