Item:
Title
Approval to Change Vision Insurance Provider
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: May 26, 2026
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to approve the County Manager to execute a contract with Eye Med for employee vision insurance effective 7/1/2026.
MetLife/Superior Vision is the County’s current vision insurance provider. With the end of the rate guaranteed expiring June 30, 2026, Requests for Proposals were marketed for a July 1, 2026 effective date, with the goal of obtaining more competitive pricing and more value for employees.
Proposals were received or declinations to quote from 11 vision insurance carriers. The County’s analysis of the proposals concluded that although MetLife offers the most familiar experience with current plan design, EyeMed was the best overall option due to its combination of lowest cost for the County, richest discount structure and member-value programs.
During the RFP process, we found that 43.2% members were spending more than $200 on their frame allowance. Therefore, we asked for proposals for this enhanced coverage level too. EyeMed still delivered the best value with the enhanced benefit due to:
• Lowest total cost to the County
• Best member discounts and added benefits
• Only option with premium-based performance guarantees
The added enhancement amounts to an additional $4,397.88 for FY 26-27.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Financial Stewardship
Resource Persons: Kathy Everett-Perry, CHRO/Chief Employment Counsel and Deidre Gonzales, Senior Human Resources Manager.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board authorize the County Manager to enter into a contract with Eye Med beginning July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2030 (4-year rate guarantee), and to execute future amendments including renewals.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________