Insurance Committee Minutes

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

JUNE 30, 2009

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Nikki Goodwin, Finance; Ted Lakey, Administration;  Lennetta Greene & Elena Stackowicz, Human Resources; Wanda Biggs, Library;  Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management;  Joan Schairer & Amber Barnes, Community Development; Sharon McRoy, County Extension;  Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; Nancy Odom & Mary Carol Murdock, Tax Collector;  Gail Collins, E911; Lola Allard, Soil Conservation;  Linda Cowan, Sheriff’s Office; and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Meeting began at 1:37 p.m.

 

Rodney Tyus called the meeting to order to discuss clarification of the motion made in the last insurance committee meeting re: the Florida Combined Life insurance package.

 

He stated that a question was brought up a couple days after the meeting regarding not offering any other dental besides the FCL and did that also mean that no other life policy can be offered.

 

Michael John Milton said that the FCL is a “group” voluntary package.  This does not include individual policies.

 

Currently the “group” dental plan and voluntary term life plans are with Guardian Insurance.  The “group” voluntary long-term disability plan is with Unum.  These are the policies that will need to be changed over to FCL.

 

Mr. Milton said that he and Ms. Lennetta Greene have discussed holding group meetings for information and then for enrollment (should the Board of Commissioners approve the proposal made by the insurance committee at their meeting on July 14th).

 

Ms. Joan Schairer made a motion to present to the Board of County Commissioners the proposal made by Florida Combined Life of the group voluntary dental (current plan design), group voluntary life insurance, and group voluntary long-term disability package in order to receive the 2.5% reduction in the renewal of group health coverage.  This package will replace existing group coverage currently being offered by other companies for payroll deduction.

 

The motion was seconded by Wanda Biggs and carried unanimously.

 

Sharon McRoy made a motion to propose to the Board of County Commissioners that all other dental insurance be excluded from open-enrollment and payroll deduction.

The motion was seconded by Joan Schairer and carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Tyus discussed with the group the information Ms. Greene found out from her phone call to Edward Jones.  Mr. Hartshorne advised Ms. Greene that the information Mr. Caldwell presented in the last meeting was incorrect.  Mr. Hartshorne advised that Edward Jones would NOT pay to have other deferred comp plans cancelled in order to take on his product.

 

Mr. Hartshorne said that he would like to attend the open-enrollment and offer his product to employees.  Should he receive 10 or more enrollees that product could be payroll deducted.

 

Sharon McRoy made a motion to allow Edward Jones to participate in open enrollment.  The motion was seconded by Joan Schairer and passed unanimously.  This proposal will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for their approval at the meeting on July 14, 2009.

 

Ms. Greene made mention of an upcoming event for employees who are reaching age 65 and are looking to retire.  On July 8, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. there will be a presentation by Blue Cross and Blue Shield in the Board of Commissioners meeting room to discuss Blue Medicare and Plan F.  In order to be eligible for the Blue Medicare the person must be retired and have Medicare parts A & B.

 

Mr. Milton advised that the rates for the retiree portion of Blue Cross and Blue Shield will renew on October 1, 2009 at $249.38 compared to the current $183.37.   Human Resources is responsible for notifying the retirees of this increase in premium.

 

If the Board of Commissioners approves the Florida Combined Life proposal that will be presented to them on July 14, 2009, Mr. Milton and Ms. Greene plan to hold informational meetings with the employees on July 15-17, 2009.  A couple days later, Mr. Milton will come back to the employees to fill out enrollment forms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

JUNE 16, 2009

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Marie Roberts, Finance; Pam Pichard, Administration;  Lennetta Greene, Human Resources; Wanda Biggs, Building;  Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management;  Joan Schairer & Amber Barnes, Community Development; Sharon McRoy, County Extension;  Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; Sylvia Stephens, Elections;  Nancy Odom, Tax Collector; Gail Collins, E911; Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Lola Allard, Soil Conservation;  and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Meeting began at 1:35 p.m.

 

Rodney Tyus called the meeting to order to discuss and vote on what dental plan to advise the Board of County Commissioners to offer the employees.

 

Marie Richards commented that whenever the rates go up and the Commissioners pick up for the employee’s difference, the retirees have to pay more in premiums for health insurance.  Michael John Milton stated that there is a group Medicare plan, but the minimum age to enroll is 65. 

 

Mr. Milton stated that whenever United ConCordia made their presentation last week, the rates were probably based on a guess and not the actual employee census.

 

The dental rates for Guardian and Florida Combined Life are very comparable and differ only in a few dollars.

 

Guardian and Florida Combined Life both offer a rollover benefit if you keep dental costs within a specified dollar amount.  This means that a percentage of the benefit will rollover to the next calendar year deductible.  There is a $1,250 max on the amount of rollover that can accrue (per person).

 

Orthodontics is a $1,000 lifetime benefit and is not part of the Guardian or Florida Combined Life rate quote.

 

Mr. Milton made a phone call to ask what the premium would be should the 12 month waiting period for “major services” be dropped.  He advised the committee that it would be a 9% increase in premiums.  The committee decided to leave the 12 month waiting period for “major services” in the program.

 

Pam Pichard made a motion to accept the offer from Florida Combined Life on their package deal (dental, voluntary life and voluntary disability) in order for the County to receive a 2.5% decrease in the health coverage premiums.  Joan Schairer seconded the motion.

 

Ms. Pichard amended the motion to include the “current” dental plan offered from Florida Combined Life (with the $1,000 annual maximum)be the only plan offered to the employees with no other dental or disability plan to be made available.

 

The vote was unanimous.

 

Renee’ Scurlock is to draft a letter to Unum and Guardian stating that their products will be discontinued with the employees that are currently enrolled.  This letter is to be presented to the Board of County Commissioners along with the presentation that Rodney Tyus is to make offering the Florida Combined Package deal.  Should the Board of Commissioners agree to accept the committee’s recommendation, then these letters will be signed by the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and forwarded to Unum and Guardian.

 

Mr. Tyus asked for discussion on the Edward Jones presentation that was made last week.  The County currently offers Nationwide (Pebsco) and Equitable to the employees.  Lennetta Green is to contact Edward Jones to find out how many participants they need to offer their product to the employees.  Note:  they stated during their presentation last week that if they offered their product it would need to be the only product of this type.  Ms. Green is to also ask them if the Board of Commissioners approves them to be a payroll deducted company, if they wish to attend the annual enrollment fair and offer their product as an “after tax” product.  The outcome of this conversation will determine if Mr. Tyus makes a presentation to the Board of Commissioners to allow Edward Jones to be a payroll deducted company.

 

The committee agreed to have a letter drafted to Jeanne Hollon of Aflac asking her to NOT offer dental coverage as part of her product, due to the above mentioned package plan with Florida Combined Life.  This letter will be presented to the Board of Commissioners for their approval and the chairman’s signature.  Should the Board of Commissioners approve this action the letter will  be forwarded to Ms. Hollon.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

JUNE 10, 2009

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Stacey Goodson, Probation; Nikki Goodwin, Finance; Linda Cowan, Sheriff’s Dept; Pam Pichard, Administration;  Lennetta Greene, Human Resources; Wanda Biggs, Building;  Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management;  Joan Schairer & Amber Barnes, Community Development; Susan Tuta, County Extension;  Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; Sylvia Stephens, Elections;  Nancy Odom, Tax Collector; Gail Collins, E911; Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Elizabeth Lawrence & Misty Chambliss, Clerk’s Office; and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Guests:  Jeanne Hollon & Alex Harkins – United ConCordia

             Don Harthshorn  - Edward Jones

             Edward Caldwell – The Hartford

             Greg Sutton – Blue Cross Blue Shield - Florida Combined Life

             Laura Fortino – Blue Cross Blue Shield

 

Meeting began at 1:35 p.m.

 

Rodney Tyus called the meeting to order and introduced Jeanne Hollon and Alex Harkins of United ConCorida.

 

Mr. Harkins reviewed answers to the Committee’s questions from last meeting.

 

There are 12 in-network dentists and 1 orthodontist in our area (within 20 miles) that participate in his product.

 

He discussed the rates:  Emp =$26.20 per month;  Emp + 1 Adult = $51.89; Emp + Child(ren) = $46.28 & Emp + Fam = $78.10

 

If we wish to add orthodontics to our plan, the rates would be:  Emp = 26.02 per month; Emp + 1 Adult = $51.89; Emp + Child(ren) = $54.29 7 Emp + Fam = $88.37

 

There is a $50.00 yearly deductible per person ($150 max for family coverage).  This deductible does not apply to Preventive Services performed by an in-network provider.

 

Preventive Services are paid at 100% in and out-of-network.   Basic Services are 100% and 80%.  Major Services are 60% and 50%.  The out-of network percentages are based on the 90th percentile of charges.

                                   

There are NO waiting periods.        Visit the website at www.ucci.com

 

Don Hartshorne of Edward Jones introduced Edward Caldwell of The Hartford.  Mr. Caldwell provided a power point presentation regarding retirement planning.  There is no fee to set up the program.  There is a minimal maintenance fee for each participant every quarter (probably $5.00).  This is NOT an annuity product.

 

Michael John Milton stated that he didn’t have any new printouts for Guardian Dental.  The participants must go to the dentist at least once during the year.  Our group is currently at 76% claims experience.

 

Mr. Milton introduced Greg Sutton with Blue Cross Blue Shield Florida Combined Life. 

 

Mr. Sutton discussed the power point brochures that he distributed to the members.  This product is for Dental. Voluntary Life and Voluntary long term disability.    Based on our current enrollment, if we wish to combine this product with our Blue Cross Blue Shield Health Insurance the renewal rate will decrease from 10.5% to 8%. 

 

Florida Combined Life is the current life policy that the Board of County Commissioners pays for each employee.  The benefit would increase to a $5,000 policy.

 

Mr. Sutton presented a dental plan with information based on our current plan and 3 alternative plans.

 

$50.00 per year deductible in network and $75.00 per year deductible out-of-network.

 

Current Plan Rates:  Emp = $24.53 per month; Emp/Sp = $48.73; Emp/Ch = $44.87 & Emp/Fam = $69.05  $1,000 annual maximum   The other rates are on file.  If you did not attend the meeting and would like to know what they are, please contact Renee’ Scurlock at 718-0008.

 

The Insurance Committee will meet again on Tuesday, June 16th at 1:30 p.m. in the BOCC meeting room to make a decision on what to do with our dental coverage.

 

If you wish to receive all the details, please make arrangements to attend the committee meetings.  If you as a committee member stay informed, you will be better able to explain the insurance options to those in your department.

 

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

FEBRUARY 25, 2009

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Pam Pichard, Administration; Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Lennetta Greene & Lavon Pope, Human Resources; Wanda Biggs, Building;  Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management;  Elizabeth Lawrence, Clerk’s Office;  Joan Schairer, Community Development; Susan Tuta, County Extension; Nikki Goodwin, Finance; Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; Crystal Hamlin, Sheriff’s Dept and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Guests:  Jimmy Kelly & Lora Fortino, Blue Cross/Blue Shield

 

Meeting began at 1:35 p.m.

 

Rodney Tyus called the meeting to order and introduced Jimmy Kelly of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

 

Mr. Kelly answered questions about the HSA plan. 

 

He advised that the HSA account can be set up at any local bank that has an HSA accounting system.  BUT, because Blue Cross and Blue Shield only have an agreement with Mellon Bank to payroll deduct pre tax, the employee will have to write it off and do the proper paperwork come tax time.  If Mellon Bank is used, then everything is taken care of and the employee will not have to do any paperwork for taxes.

 

Mr. Kelly advised that an employee can put additional money into the account other than what is payroll deducted, up to the maximum amount allowed for that year.

 

Remember the HSA does not have to be set up for the health plan portion of the plan to be used.

 

Mr. Kelly discussed how “trend” is figured.  Trend = Cost of Procedures + Legislative Rulings + Utilization + Cost-shifting.   The illustration he distributed from the Mercer Corporation shows best how trend is figured.

 

Claims for our group are currently up to 12.5%.  If the current trend stays the same, we could possibly see a 12% increase in our premiums for the upcoming renewal period.

 

Mr. Kelly advised that some groups turn to “self-insurance”, but he feels that our group is too small to make this option work in our best interest.  Self-insured groups get a pharmacy rebate back.  For our groups it could be around $15,000 quarterly.  Self-insured groups must have a “staff” to administer the plan and keep up with the highly sensitive medical information.  Some members in attendance were opposed to the self-insured plan.

 

A cost-saving item, that Mr. Kelly is not a huge proponent of, is to change tighten Pharmacy Benefits.  It can be carved out of the plan or go with different co-pays.  If it is carved out of the health plan, the group will save money, but the pharmacy administrative costs will rise.

 

Note:  At this year’s renewal Blue Cross and Blue Shield will require that generic drugs be dispensed, unless there is a doctor’s notation stating that the patient must have the name brand drug.

 

Other cost-saving items could be choosing other health plans from the 200 that Blue Cross Blue Shield Offers; going with a higher deductible and different co-pays on our current plans, changing the pharmacy benefit on our current plans.

 

Mr. Kelly advised that he can have the claims and renewal figures ready in April.  Ms. Pichard advised that the figures will be needed sooner.

 

Mr. Kelly said that he can run the figures up to February and have a tentative renewal rate ready by April 1st.

 

The legislative ruling of adding mental health and autism to health plans will cause an increase between 3-5%.  It will be more prevalent in the 2010 premium figures as it has just been passed and not been utilized as much.

 

Mr. Kelly suggested that all members go to the “myblueservices” web site and look up pharmacy information there.

 

We as members need to educate our employees on the use of generic drugs vs name brand drugs.  Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie will charge less for some medications as CVS has an agreement that they are allowed to charge the full co-pay amount.

 

SIDE NOTE:  In discussion with Michael John Milton after the meeting, Mr. Tyus was advised that the “check and balance” system that Mr. Lakey asked about during the last meeting is not available to our group.  Mr. Milton stated that the company that has those services told him that a group’s claims need to be at least $10 million dollars and our group is too small for their services.   He will continue to research the program.

 

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

FEBRUARY 18, 2009

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Sylvia Stephens & Vicki Farris, Elections;  Pam Pichard & Ted Lakey, Administration; Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Lennetta Greene, Human Resources; Wanda Biggs, Building; Gail Collins, E911; Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management;  Elizabeth Lawrence, Clerk’s Office; Nancy Odom, Tax Collector;  Joan Schairer, Community Development;  Stacey Goodson, Probation; Susan Tuta, County Extension; Lucretia Farris & Nikki Goodwin, Finance; Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; Robert Curl, Property Appraiser; Steve Croxton, Utilities; and Chuck Hatcher, Parks/Recreation/Animal Control.

 

Note:  Agent of Record, Michael John Milton was not invited to this meeting

 

Meeting began at 1:40 p.m.

 

Rodney Tyus called the meeting to order.

 

Discussion focused on the clarification of the Health Savings Account (HSA 1166 and 1167) Plans.

 

The Single HSA 1166 Plan has a deductible of 1,500 per calendar year and the Family HSA 1167 Plan has a total deductible of $3,000 per calendar year.  After the deductible/out-of-pocket amount is met, the Plan pays for 100% of all covered expenses.

 

The employee must pay 100% up front of the doctor bill, emergency room visit, prescriptions, etc. until the deductible/out-of-pocket amount is met.

 

There is an “option” to put money into the HSA “savings account”.  This is an option and not a requirement of having this health plan.   Money put into the savings account belongs to the employee and should the employee leave employment, that money will remain theirs.  It does NOT go to the County.  There are medical expenses that are covered by the HSA saving account that are NOT covered by the HSA medical plan.  Example, birth control pills, flu shots, medically necessary dental treatment, chiropractors, eye exams and glasses, laboratory fees, etc. 

 

Money put into the “savings account” earns interest and is tax deferred.  It can be drawn out for covered “medical” expenses without being taxed. The maximum amount a member may contribute to the savings account is determined by the IRS each year.  For the 2009 year, a single plan is allowed to earn a maximum of $3,000 in deposits for a calendar year and the family plan is allowed $5950.  If you are over 55 years of age you are allowed to put an additional $1,000 into the savings account (either on the single or family plan).

 

You may withdraw money from the “savings account” and use it for other purposes, but taxes and penalties will apply.   Saving the receipts for qualified medical expenses throughout the year and filing them on the appropriate tax forms will allow for a deduction on your taxes.

 

The HSA plan issues its members a debit card, that allows them to keep track of how much money you have spent and on what services you spent them on. 

 

The HSA health plan is not appropriate for all employees as money is required in full until the deductible/out-of-pocket amount is reached.  Note:  the deductible is the same as the out-of-pocket amount on the HSA.  Under the other health plans that are currently in place there is a smaller deductible and it applies to the out-of-pocket expense, but the prescription co-pays do NOT.

 

We as committee members need to educate our employees on the Health Savings Account Health Plan. 

 

There was discussion of prescriptions and pharmacy’s charging different prices for the same medicine.  Nikki Goodwin advised that Blue Cross and Blue Shield has the local pharmacy’s listed on their website and you can go there to see which pharmacy carries the medicine you need and how much it costs.

 

Mr. Lakey asked about a check and balance system in regards to claims.  Ms. Greene stated that Michael John Milton had discussed with her a company that can go in and check behind Blue Cross and Blue Shield to make sure the claims that are being paid  are being done so at the appropriate amounts.  The program costs nothing, unless the company finds a discrepancy and then they obtain a percentage of the amount found.

 

Ms. Greene is to get up with Michael John Milton and get information on this company/program and have it presented at a meeting to be held in March.

 


                                                               

JUNE 19, 2008

10:00 A.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Sylvia Stephens, Elections; Lola Allard, Soil Conservation; Marie Richards, Lucretia Farris & Nikki Goodwin, Finance; Pam Pichard & Ted Lakey, Administration; Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Barbara Pledger, County Extension; Wanda Biggs, Building; DJ Meadows, E911; Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management; Karen Indingaro, Road Dept; and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Jimmy Kelly of Blue Cross and Blue Shield was also in attendance.

 

Meeting began at 10:05 a.m. with the above members present.

 

Mr. Kelly advised that the correct percent increase to keep the current plan (1150) is 19.9%

 

He discussed two alternate plans of which both would reflect a 13% increase over the current rate.

 

Some of the changes on alternative plan 1154 are:

                   Out of pocket is $2,500

                   Co-insurance is 80%/20%

Pharmacy Card is $15/30%/40% 

          Generic is $15.00

          Preferred brand is 30% of the prescription cost

          Non-preferred brand is 40% of the prescription cost

Note: the pharmacy costs DO NOT go toward the deductible or out-of-pocket

                  

If a prescription falls into the “non-preferred brand” category, there is most likely a generic equivalent.  By law generic medications MUST have the same active ingredient and strength as the brand name meds.  The only thing that can be changed is the inactive ingredient, which is the coating.

 

The Wal-mart $4.00 prescription program is good.  Most generics are on that program.  Publix is in competition with Wal-mart on their prescription program.

 

CVS and Walgreens collect the co-pay, so it is better to stay away from them if you use generic medications.

 

The alternative plan still has the mail-in prescription program.

 

Alternative plan 1352 has some of the following changes:

 

Deductible is $750

Out-of-pocket is $3,000

Includes a $20 co-pay for general practice doctor visits (not specialists, including OB/GYN)

Co-Insurance 80%/20%

The drug card is the same as listed in plan 1154

This plan also still has the mail-in prescription program

 

Mr. Kelly said that he was told the committee was not interested in hearing about the HSA program.  Ms. Scurlock clarified with Mr. Kelly that we are interested, just not for this renewal period because of the time it will take to explain/educate the employees before the open enrollment period.

 

Mr. Lakey said that he would like to see an HSA quote included in the package to go before the County Commissioners.

 

Mr. Milton stated that it won’t cost anything to offer the program and if a few employees take it, it will be advertisement for the program next renewal year.

 

Ms. Pichard requested that a spreadsheet with the current plans and the proposed plans be put together so that all numbers and benefits can be compared while looking at one sheet rather than several different sheets of paper.

 

Mr. Kelly is to get a spreadsheet with the committee’s selection prepared and send it to Mr. Milton next week.

 

The committee selected to have the following plans quoted:

                   Current 1150 with a drug card of $15/$30/$50 (rather than the percentages)

                   Alternative Plan 1154

                   HSA 1166 & 1167

 

Ms. Scurlock asked about a new issue that came up with a mammogram not being paid that was conducted at Jackson Hospital.

 

Mr. Milton discussed the MRI matter that was brought up last meeting with Hattie Campbell of Jackson Hospital.  She advised that somehow the State changed the name of Jackson Hospital which messed up the coding of bills.  The matter is being cleared up.

 

Mr. Milton suggested that Ms. Meadows contact the hospital with the mammogram coding issue. 

 

 

INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

MAY 7, 2008

10:30 A.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Sharon McRoy, Extension; Sylvia Stephens, Elections; Lola Allard, Soil Conservation; Marie Richards, Finance; Stacey Goodson, Probation; Deborah McCormick, Clerk’s Office; Pam Pichard & Ted Lakey, Administration; DJ Meadows, E911; Chuck Hatcher, Parks/Recycling; Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Robert Creel, Property Appraiser; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management; Wanda Biggs, Building; Lennetta Greene, Human Resources; Nancy Odom, Tax Collector;  and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Guest speaker:  Jimmy Kelly of Blue Cross & Blue Shield & Laura Fortino Area Representative.

 

Meeting began at 10:30 a.m. with the above members present.

 

Ms. Greene welcomed members and turned the meeting over to Jimmy Kelly of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

 

Mr. Kelly advised the committee that this meeting was to discuss the possible percentage increase and some solutions to the problem.  The actual renewal rates will not be available for another couple of weeks.  There is the possibility of a rate hold.

 

From April 07 until March 08 the “paid claims” have risen 22.8%.  The “incurred claims”

for the past calendar year have risen 25.7%.  Mr. Kelly noted that the Administrative costs and the Trend have remained the same.

 

The current plan “1150” has a $500 deductible with an out-of-pocket expense of $2,500.

 

The new plan that was discussed during the meeting “1166” has an out-of-pocket expense of $1,500 (which is the deductible).  Once the $1,500 is met, covered expenses are paid at 100%, which includes prescriptions.   Plan “1167” is for the family at an out-of-pocket expense of $3,000 aggregate.  Note:  the old plan was per family member. A second plan “1168” has an out-of-pocket amount of $2,100 with plan “’1169” being for the family at $4,200 out-of-pocket.

 

Routine physical exams are still covered at 100% up to $250 under the new plans.

 

The new plans (1166-1169) are Health Savings Plans (HSA’s).  This means that money can be put into a savings account by the employee or the commissioners, if they wish to do so.  These monies will be available to the employee for medical services/supplies/dental vision, etc.  A swipe card and checks will be made available to the employee to expend these funds.  Should an employee leave employment the HSA will remain with the employee, the funds are NOT returned to the County.  Should you decease, the HSA will go to your heirs for medically related expenses.

 

Should an employee wish to keep the current plan with the set prescription costs, they can have the option of paying the difference in the current and the new plan.  The Mediscript program will not be offered in the renewal package.

 

Under the HSA program, persons cannot be double covered.  If you currently have County coverage and some other type of coverage (eg. Coverage with a spouse) the secondary coverage will have to be dropped.

 

There was much discussion on the HSA program and how it is payroll deducted along with several other questions.  Mr. Kelly and Ms. Fortino along with Michael John Milton addressed those questions.

 

Ms. Greene asked for nominations for a new committee chairperson.  Renee’ Scurlock made a motion to nominate Rodney Tyus.  The motion was second by Sylvia Stephens and agreed upon by all members present.

 

Congratulations Mr. Tyus and thank you for accepting the duty of assisting the Insurance Committee in finding the best possible insurance coverages for the employees of the Jackson County Board of County Commissioners.

 

The next meeting will be announced within the next two-three weeks and will be for renewal purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

February 28, 2007

                  July 30, 2007

                                                                                                                               

 

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INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

JULY 30, 2007

1:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Debora McCormick, Clerk’s Office; Angie Cozart & Ted Lakey, Administration; DJ Meadows, E911; Connie Brown, Engineering; Chuck Hatcher, Parks/Recycling; Rodney Tyus, Maintenance; Mary Wierman, Property Appraiser; Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management; Chief Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue; Wanda Biggs, Building; Lennetta Greene, Human Resources; Nancy Odom, Tax Collector;  Dewanna Smith; Community Development; Stan Littleton, Library; and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Guest speaker:  Jim Kelly of Blue Cross & Blue Shield & Laura Fortino Area Representative.

 

Meeting began at 2:00 p.m. with the above members present.

 

Ms. Greene welcomed members and turned the meeting over to Jim Kelly of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

 

Mr. Kelly advised the committee of the “Retiree Program” benefit that will be offered as of October 1, 2007.  This will be a program offered to employees at the age of 65 who are retiring.  It will be a Group Medicare benefit that will include a prescription drug benefit.  The rate will be $146.00 monthly with a $100 deductible, $1,000 out-of-pocket expense, a mail order prescription program or a $10/$30/$50 prescription program; the co-payment will be $10 for primary care and $25 for specialist care.  The program is funded by the Federal government at 60%.  The client must have Medicare parts A & B in order to receive the insurance benefit.

 

Current renewal rate is 11.29%.  Our claims were up 11% this year.  Mediscript (Blue Choice 120) for the employee is going to $552.58 monthly  - family is $767.12

Blue Options 1150 ($7/20/35 RX & $100 + 20%) Single will be $458.39; family will be $635.03

 

Mr. Kelly discussed an Alternative Plan that can be offered to employees and their families.  It is called a Health Savings Account (HSA).  This type of coverage is tax-free.  It works like a debit card in that there will be money put into a savings account for health care costs only and when you go to the doctor or get a prescription the debit card can be used until the funds are exhausted.  The employee can put money into the account monthly and any funds in the account left at the end of the year will roll-over to the next year.  The maximum amount that can be put into the account during a fiscal year is Single $2,900/ Family $5,800. 

 

The alternative plan is Blue Options 1168 (Single) 1169 (Family).  The deductible is $2,100 (Single) and $4,200 (Family)  Out-of-pocket is $2,100 (Single) and $4,200 (family).  Lifetime maximum is $5 million.   Note:  the current out-of-pocket is $2,500.  Money that is spent on prescriptions will count toward the CYD, as it is currently those charges do not count toward the CYD.   The HSA is NOT a flexible spending account.  It is an IRS approved plan and will be administered by Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

 

This savings account will belong to the employee and will go with the employee when they leave employment.  When the total reaches $2,500 the employee may invest monies over that.

 

Routine physical examinations will continue to be paid at 100%.

 

Mr. Kelly mentioned the Pro-Share plan that we had back in 1999.  The committee did not take any action on this.

 

Stan Littleton made the motion to present to the Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday, August 1, 2007 the current plans with the increase in premiums along with the addition of the HSA.  Also, to find out what the amount would be that the County would put into the HSA per employee and if they will be picking up the increase for those who choose to remain on the current plan.  The motion was seconded by Rodney Tyus and voted on unanimously by committee members.

 

Ms. Greene said that we would meet again after the Board of Commissioners decides how it will handle the new insurance premiums.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. 

                  

 

 

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INSURANCE COMMITTEE MEETING

FEBRUARY 28, 2007

2:30 P.M.

 

 

Members Present:  Debora McCormick, Clerk’s Office;  Renee’ Scurlock, Emergency Management; Chief Tony Wesley, Fire Rescue;   Lucretia Farris & Daniele Pippin Finance; Lennetta Greene & Elena Stackowicz, Human Resources; Sherry Brown & Nancy Odom, Tax Collector;  Dewanna Smith; Community Development; Vicki Farris, Supervisor of Elections; Linda Cowan, Sheriff’s Dept; Alan Barber, Library; and Michael John Milton, Agent of Record.

 

Guest speaker:  Jim Kelly of Blue Cross & Blue Shield & Laura Fortino Area Representative.

 

Meeting began at 2:40 p.m. with the above members present.

 

Ms. Greene welcomed members and turned the meeting over to Jim Kelly of Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

 

Mr. Kelly advised that members should be receiving a new insurance card in the near future.  It will look like a credit card and the benefit information will be on the back of the card.  Doctor’s offices will be able to swipe the card and get information on allowed benefits, co-payments and 2 years of claims history.  There are privacy restrictions in that diagnosis such as AIDS, abortions, etc will not be provided.  Should a member wish to have no diagnosis available for review they will be able to call and request that the information be blocked.

 

Blue Cross has begun sending out “Personal Health Reports”.

 

Mr. Kelly passed out the current monitoring report for our group (Feb 2006 – Jan 2007).  He stated that currently there is a 12% health care trend.

 

The Estimate of Benefits (EOB’s) are being revised by a committee and should be easier to read once the new design is adopted.

 

In the upcoming renewal year (October 1, 2007) there will be a new benefit for retirees that are 65 and older.  They will be able to leave the current group and move into a Group Medicare Supplement, which is targeted to be $200.00 per month.  This amount will also be available to the covered spouse of a retiree.  NOTE:  should the retiree be under 65 years of age, they will continue to be under the Board of County Commissioner’s Group.  The current total a retiree pays is $484 for single coverage and $642 for family coverage.

 

 

 

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