HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 06.02.2015 HEALTH INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Tuesday June 2,2015
1:30 P.M.@ City Hall
Members Present: Heidi Jensen Monica Salo
Shirley Ewan Cathy Gabrian
Jason Shovar Jason Wells
Tom Nelson Bruce McGee
Others Present: Sheri Phillips Fran Schweigert
Jean Kerr Dave Allen
The meeting was called to order by Heidi at 1:30 p.m.
Public Comment:
There was no public comment.
Presentation by Dave Allen on insurance options for FY 15-16:
Dave was asked to look into other insurance by the committee and he reported on what he found.
BCBS had given us a renewal with an 8.7% increase for the current plan and Option 1 with a 2.6%
increase but it has a slight reduction in benefit.
Dave called Allegiance but never received a call back and assumed they were not interested in giving us a
quote.
He did contact MMIA, Pacific Source and Montana Health CO-OP. Montana Health Co-op will not
quote on large groups over 50 and we are considered a large group.
Dave directed the committee to a letter from MMIA. After underwriting from the health statements we
provided, Laurel has significantly higher risk as compared to the rest of their pool. The rate tier we fall
into is 60% higher than their standard rates. Heidi pointed out that if we went with MMIA, we would
have to commit to five years at the higher rate. Dave reviewed the MMIA plans from the handout.
Pacific Source is a large company and they quoted a plan that matched our BCBS plan. Dave told them
we are looking for premium relief. Their quote was significantly higher than BCBS. Pacific Source is
tied to the Billings Clinic and does not have a provider network out of state.
In regard to our vision insurance, Dave said we received a better option through Peak I and the premium
is slightly lower than last year.
There is no change in the life insurance.
The dental insurance did have a slight increase. Dave suggested shopping around for dental insurance
next year. He said there are some good plans out there and it wouldn't hurt to compare coverage.
In answer to a question about BCBS, Dave clarified that the whole group would either stay with the
current plan or everyone would have to go to Option 1.
Heidi recommends staying with the current BCBS plan with the 8.7% increase. Shirley liked MMIA
because of the prescription plan. Jason Shovar felt it is important to have the provider network out of
state, therefore he was not interested in Pacific Source. Shirley did point out that those who received the
$1,100.00 employer amount are receiving about$300.00 more in benefit than those under the other cap.
Insurance Committee Minutes
Page 2,June 2,2015
Tom Nelson said he works for a national company which has great insurance. He still pays about$250.00
a month,out of pocket,for individual insurance.
Jason Wells said he would like to take this information back to his union and get their input. Monica
agreed and the union representatives agreed to let Heidi know, via email, by noon on Friday. This item
will be on the council workshop on June 9th and to council for approval on June 16th.
Election of Committee positions:
• Monica Salo was elected as Secretary.
• Shirley Ewan was elected as Treasurer.
• Heidi Jensen was elected as Chairman.
• Jason Shovar was elected as Co-Chairman.
Heidi said she looks forward to having Jason as co-chairman and the input he will bring from the
employees.
The meeting adjourned at 2:23 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Cathy Ga rian