The Hogansville City Council, Mayor Bill Stankiewicz, City Manager David Milliron and City Clerk Lisa Kelly were honored by Strongside Solutions at Monday night’s city council meeting for switching the city to a benefit plan that saved more than $150,000 in healthcare costs. 

Wendell Strickland, CEO of Strongside Solutions, presented the city Healthcare Excellence and Recovered Optimization plaques and a check for $153,255, which Hogansville generated in cost savings.

“The hero award recognizes employers who demonstrate the expertise, willingness and diligence to lower healthcare costs, one of the most challenging, complex and expensive line items of any business or budget item that y’all have,” Strickland said.

The city switched from United Healthcare to Strongside Solutions effective Sept. 1 this year.

“It’s because of these people sitting on this table right here that we were able to [complete] these programs, and I think you’ve heard from your employees and your staff of how well this program works,” Strickland said. “Not only has it saved $153,255, I think it’s actually a better program for your employees. We’re proud to work with employers such as yourselves — employers who in your administration have exercised extra time and effort because it takes a lot of time and effort to understand how to control health care costs and learning how to take back control of your own healthcare.”

The City of Hogansville partnered with Strongside Solutions and used its eBenefix plan this year. According to a press release from Strongside Solutions, employees saved 40 percent on prescriptions immediately after starting its pharmacy program.

“The eBenefix solution has generated $153,255 in savings, so that is really significant considering you have about 40 people on your health insurance plan,” Strickland said.

Stankiewicz said in the press release that he appreciates the recognition for their efforts to save money.

“The City of Hogansville is pleased to have saved our citizens over $150,000 while attracting and retaining great employees for our city,” Stankiewicz said.

Milliron said in the press release the city is thinking about using the money“to add a wellness program, an investment program for employees or offsetting some of the family coverage in year two.”

“It’s very difficult and competitive to keep good employees,” Milliron said. “They’re our best asset. Healthcare simply keeps going up every year, and we had to find a solution. Strongside Solutions came in and showed us a new way to approach our healthcare benefits with their eBenefix program.”