HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 05.02.2013 HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Thursday, May 2, 2013
2:00 P.M. @ City Hall
Members Present: Tom Nelson, Chairman Heidi Jensen
Monica Salo Cathy Gabrian
Shirley Ewan
Others Present: Dave Allen Shellie Wherley
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Nelson. The first item is to vote on a committee
chairman. Motion was made by Shirley, seconded by Cathy to appoint Heidi as Chairman. A
vote was taken on the motion and motion passed.
Dave Allen introduced Shellie Wherley, Account Manager for BCBS and they are here to help us
understand the benefits. The renewal information was sent out earlier in the week. The City of
Laurel will see a 9.4% increase in health insurance.
Dave said we need to do things in order to comply with Obamacare. Things required to be
implemented with renewal are as follows.
• Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC) needs to be handed out to all employees
• Large employers (50 or more employees) are required to offer health insurance
• Starting 7 -1 -14 need to offer same benefit to employees who work 30 hours a week
To help fund Obamacare, each plan will be required to collect one dollar for each covered
individual per month. This will be included in our monthly premium and is part of the 9.4%
increase. Dave said our rate is very moderate. BCBS will be paying over 10% in taxes, fees and
other things in order to comply with Obamacare.
Heidi questioned why BCBS does not have a wellness program. Shellie said they do not sponsor
clinics since they are not a wellness provider. The Occupational Health Department of St.
Vincent's Hospital sponsored clinics but more things are now covered by the plans. Shellie said
she would be glad to help Heidi coordinate a wellness program and Monica offered to help.
Shellie said they find there is better participation if incentives are offered to the employees.
The 2014 information is rolling out regarding Obamacare and Shellie would encourage a full
presentation for the Health Insurance Committee. By January 1, 2014, every individual needs to
be covered. The City of Laurel's plan falls under the silver level of coverage.
Motion was made by Cathy, seconded by Tom to keep Delta Dental with a 3% increase. Motion
carried.
Motion was made by Tom, seconded by Shirley to keep BCBS with the 9.4% increase. Motion
carried.
Tom left at 3:15 p.m.
Shellie distributed handouts to the committee regarding premium subsidies, individual and
employer mandates, affordable coverage, current and upcoming changes, employer penalties,
taxes and fees, and 2013 federal poverty guidelines. She explained a lot of what is involved in
Obamacare. She and Dave strongly encourage having an employee meeting to explain things and
answer any questions the employees may have.
The committee will meet again in the 4 quarter of the year.
Heidi asked the unions provide an updated committee list.
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m..
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Ga■rian C/`