001Hello APS employees and retirees. At allin Public Schools, we regularly review our health benefits to help ensure we're continued providing high quality, affordable coverage for employees and their families. >> APS is currently preparing for open enrollment for employees and retirees under age 65. Please note that retirees aged 65 and older are not included in this process. We know healthc care decisions are important and personal and we want to take a few minutes to explain the recent health plan review process and how decisions were made and what you can expect moving forward. >> You may hear the term RFP through this process. RFP stands for request for proposal. An RFP is a structured process where insurance providers submit competitive proposals for services and coverage. This process allows APS to carefully compare health care plans side by
002side, including costs, coverage, provider networks, access to care, customer support, wellness tools, and resources. The goal is to ensure APS is making informed, responsible decisions that balance affordability, quality, and employee needs. >> Like many organizations across the country, APS continues to experience rising healthcare costs. Because of this, it is important that we periodically review our health care plans and providers to ensure that we continue offering strong benefits in a financially responsible way. >> This process was focused on maintaining comprehensive coverage while also evaluating long-term sustainability and value for employees and APS. A divisionwide team led the evaluation process, including representatives from multiple APS departments and union representation. Having union participation throughout the process helped ensure employees perspectives and experiences were part of the conversation and decision-making process. APS also worked with independent consultants who supported
003an objective and thorough review of all proposals. The evaluation team reviewed a wide range of factors including cost to employees and APS provider networks and access to care plan design and coverage options, customer service and support, wellness programs and tools, potential out-ofpocket costs. The goal was to look at the overall value and quality of each proposal, not just one factor alone. Following the review process, APS selected Sigma and Kaiser for the 2027 plan year. The recommendation and final decision were based on balancing affordability, access to care, quality coverage, and overall value for the employees and their families. Employees will continue to have access to comprehensive health care coverage. As part of this transition, some changes to premiums, plan options, or provider networks may occur. We understand that changes to healthcare coverage can raise questions, and
004we are committed to providing support and information throughout the process. >> We also want employees to know their perspectives were represented throughout the evaluation process through union involvement and employee centered discussions. Over the coming months, APS will continue sharing detailed information and resources to help employees prepare for open enrollment. Support resources will include information sessions and webinars, FAQs and comparison tools, website resources, customer support assistance, an extended concierge call center to help answer questions and support enrollment selections. Mandatory open enrollment will take place later this fall and additional details and timelines will be shared well in advance. >> Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this process. Open enrollment information sessions will begin in September and we encourage employees to review the materials, ask questions, and take advantage of available resources and
005support opportunities. >> APS remains committed to providing competitive highquality health care benefits while supporting employees and their families. Additional information, FAQs, and upcoming information sessions are available on the APS benefits web page.