Employees oppose Sidecar Health; commission schedules special meeting to review alternatives

City staff proposed switching the municipal health plan to Sidecar Health — a network‑less, cash‑card model — as a way to cap premium increases at roughly 8.8 percent, compared with a projected 34% increase under the existing UnitedHealthcare option. The proposal sparked immediate and extensive public comment from city employees and a representative of the police bargaining unit, who brought a petition signed by roughly 80 employees opposing the Sidecar plan and asking for more time and information.

"Sidecar has a Better Business Bureau rating of 1.7 out of 5," a city employee said during public comment, summarizing one of several concerns raised about provider acceptance, out‑of‑pocket exposure for high‑cost procedures and post‑retirement Medicare implications. Union representatives and multiple employees described limited notice and urged the commission to consider a more traditional HMO/PPO option (several commissioners suggested a mid-range Florida HealthCare plan) or to absorb some additional cost rather than adopt Sidecar. Commissioners declined to take final action and instead scheduled a special meeting with the broker (Brown & Brown) and department heads to present comparative details, let employees ask questions in person and identify budget tradeoffs before a final vote.