Mesa Offers Lifetime Medical Benefits to All Eligible City Employees

Mesa Offers Lifetime Medical Benefits to All Eligible City Employees 

 Mesa, AZ – Mesa is offering lifetime medical benefits for all eligible full-time employees, effective Jan. 1, 2023. Access to lifetime medical insurance coverage adds to Mesa's already competitive salaries and benefits package, allowing the City to recruit and retain talented employees who want to build a career in the public sector.

 "The Mesa Way has always been to take care of our employees by offering competitive salaries and benefits so they can take care of themselves and their families," said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. "Bringing back the lifetime health benefits is an extension of our focus on the health and wellness of our employees. It starts with free primary and pediatric care at our employee Mesa Health and Wellness Center and continues with medical coverage once our employees have retired from Mesa." 

 Lifetime benefits are not new to Mesa. The City provided this benefit to eligible employees before Jan. 1, 2009, when the City had to cut $62 million from the General Fund, eliminating lifetime benefits for new hires. Today's announcement ensures everyone hired since can receive lifetime medical coverage after completing 20 years of service with the City, with at least ten consecutive years of employment with the City immediately before retirement. Additionally, employees must be retired from the City of Mesa to be eligible for post-retirement health insurance. 

 "The Valley is experiencing a very competitive job market," added Mr. Brady. "We aim to recruit individuals committed to public service and reward those who have dedicated their professional careers to serving Mesa residents and businesses." 

 As with current employees, the City covers 80% of eligible retirees' insurance premiums for medical, dental and vision coverage. Mesa currently has more than 2,200 retirees receiving retirement medical benefits. Approximately 70% of Mesa's nearly 3,900 full-time employees have been hired since Jan. 1, 2009, and could be eligible for retirement medical benefits starting in 2029.