HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 12.06.2013 MINUTES
INSURANCE COMMITTEE
December 6, 2013 1:30 P.M.
COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM
MEMBERS PRESENT: Bud Arnold Monica Salo
Bruce McGee Tom Nelson
Heidi Jensen Cathy Gabrian
Shirley Ewan
Heidi called the meeting to order at 1:35 p.m. There was no public in attendance.
Heidi stated that she does not have a letter from the Unions that states who will be on the Insurance
Committee. Monica stated that she will have Union #316 write a letter to the committee. There
was no one present from Union #303.
Monica would like to know when the presentation that was offered by Blue Cross will take place.
Bud would like the City to look for lesser programs than what the City is offering at this time. Both
Monica and Bud would like to know what the Affordable Care Act has to offer and who qualifies.
Cathy said that the provider, which is the City, is only required to cover the employees and that the
employees will not qualify on the market.
It was decided that the department heads, as well as the committee, should be present for the
presentation that Blue Cross will be providing.
Bud mentioned that he has spoken to Dave in regards to his own circumstances and that he is quite
knowledgeable in the insurance arena. He would like to see Dave Allen and Sheltie Wherley at the
presentation.
Heidi stated that the Blue Cross Plan that the City currently has does not meet the minimum
standard for Obamacare, but Blue Cross will coordinate the benefits with the act to bring us into
compliance.
Monica realizes that the City is locked in with Blue Cross at the current time but Union #316 would
like to shop around again and look for a more affordable policy. She believes they would like to see
a policy that is not as top heavy as the policy we now have and possibly obtain a policy with a
larger deductible and less cost to the employee.
Cathy mentioned that whatever policy the City decides on needs to be closed by the P` payroll in
June as that is when she deducts the premiums from the employees' pay for the month of July.
Tom suggested that we have the meeting with Blue Cross next month and see what they can offer
on a less top heavy policy.
Monica stated that the deadline for applying on the market place for insurance closes on December
15 of this year. It is possible to make some changes after that date and the final closing is the 15
of March 2014. Employees that feel they may qualify for Obmacare should research the guidelines
right away.
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Heidi stated that she is willing to look around for other companies, but the group needs to realize
that the City currently has a good rate compared to other cities and the state rate. Possibly Blue
Cross can offer the city more options with higher deductibles and lower coverage with a cut in
premium costs. She will get in touch with Blue Cross and try to get a meeting arranged this month.
The group would like to meet again right after Shellie and Dave give their presentation to decide
where to go from here.
Cathy mentioned that she knows that Dave is swamped right now and may not be able to meet this
month. Dave had mentioned to Bud that this is his busiest time of the year. Bud suggested that we
should wait until after the holidays.
Heidi will contact Blue Cross and will work around their schedule. She will let the committee
know when it is possible to get the Blue Cross representatives here.
Respectfully submitted,
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Shirley Ewan, City Clerk/Treasurer
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