HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 05.08.2012 HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
2:00 P.M. @ City Hall
Members Present: Kurt Markegard, Chairman H.P. Nuernberger
Tom Nelson Bill Brew
Susan Canape Donnie Nelson
Cathy Gabrian
Others Present: Heidi Jensen Shirley Ewan
The meeting was called to discuss the new insurance rates from BCBS. The new rates reflect a
10% increase for FY 2012 -2013. A handout was distributed with the rates and included a
comparison of the new and old rates. It also includes the new rates for dental and vision.
Kurt said this is his last meeting as he submitted his resignation from the Health Insurance
Committee. Heidi Jensen will be appointed to fill this spot and the Mayor will appoint a council
representative to replace Chuck Rodgers.
Kurt said he contacted Joint Powers Trust about what they can offer and thought that as Chairman,
it was his job to do so. He later found out that according to the Insurance Committee Guidelines,
the CAO shall appoint a non - voting member as the City's Benefits Coordinator. The coordinator
will provide informational support to the committee and be the contact between the city and the
insurance companies. Heidi asked Shirley Ewan to be the coordinator.
Kurt said the city will go with the new rates. If we choose to look for something different, we can
give BCBS 30 days notice to discontinue coverage. Kurt, Heidi and Shirley met with a
representative from Joint Powers Trust. Kurt said they offer a plan he feels is comparable to our
current insurance. Heidi said she did not feel it was comparable at all. It limits you to one
hospital system and will not pay if you need medical care when traveling.
Both unions have contract language stating that any insurance we get has to be comparable to the
one we currently have. It was suggested that we have meetings with different groups and see what
is out there.
In response to a question, Heidi said the national trend was an increase of about 10% and she has
heard that MMIA also had this increase.
The union representatives will take this information back to their memberships. Open enrollment
will be held the week of May 21s -25
The next meeting will be held on Thursday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Gabrian