HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 05.24.2016 May 24, 2016
Insurance Committee Meeting
Present: Heidi Jensen, Cheryl) Lund, Monica Salo, Roy Voss,Jason Wells,Stan Langve, and Bruce McGee.
Absent: Shirley Ewan,Tom Nelson
Guests: Dave Allen,Sheri Phillips
Chair Heidi Jensen called the meeting to order at 1:30 p.m.
Jason Wells requested the meeting be recorded.
Heidi - It was decided at council workshop on May 17th,that the City would not be filling out health
statements;therefore, we would not be seeking further bids.
2016 BCBS options:There was a question on the notes that Dave Allen provided at the bottom of the quotes;
Dave said it was standard disclaimer that he writes. Also, he clarified it was only MMIA that would require a 5
year commitment.
Jason Wells asked what the purpose of this committee,feels that we are non-essential. Local 303 is not happy
that they couldn't see additional rates as we had plenty of time to do this.
Heidi Jensen-not appreciative of the questions since it is being recorded. Reiterated that the council cannot
let the insurance lapse and council didn't want to go further with the health statements. No were no further
options.
Monica Salo read the City Council Workshop minutes from May 17th. "Motion to accept the recommendation
submitted by the Health Insurance Committee. Motion by Council Member Nelson to approve the
recommendation of the Health Insurance Committee to fill out employee health assessment forms, seconded
by Council Member Eaton. There was no public comment. Council Vince-President Nelson stated that this is an
effort in futility since it was done last year and it would be a lot of extra effort for the insurance representative
for what would be nothing better than the what the current insurance provider has offered. He personally
does not see the merit in doing this. A vote was taken on the motion. Council Members McGee and Mountsier
voted Yay. Council members Herr, Stokes, Nelson, Dickerson and Eaton voted Nay. Motion failed 2-5." Monica
asked Bruce what the council members thoughts were, since it was decided at a previous insurance
committee to go forth with looking at other insurance.
Bruce McGee said that the health statements/bid would put Dave Allen to a lot of trouble and time. Why
waste the time just to make people feel better if we're pretty sure we'll be staying with BCBS.
Jason Wells—Employees are going in the hole, raises not keeping up with insurance costs.
Bruce McGee—Situation wouldn't have changed, increase no matter with who.
Jason Wells—at least we would have known.
Roy Voss—Regarding getting last year's health statements,only had a couple of people who were problematic
in getting them submitted, can't make a blanket statement that we are all the problem. Local 316 addressed
the issue and it wouldn't have been a problem this year. Dave Allen said with every place there is always
something missing in the statements, always a few who are reluctant, it's part of the business and Dave is
used to it. Dave was uncomfortable with the council thinking it was too much work for him, he doesn't
begrudge the work, he is our servant, will always look to find the best possible plan. It is a lot of work for
underwriting but they are used to it and accept the work.
Bruce McGee—council doesn't want to look at it every year.
Stan Langve—how much does BCBS get paid per month from City? Insurance increase not equal to pay
increase—what can city do to help?
Dave Allen stated the insurance increases are trending at 8-10%every year.
Heidi Jensen—we have a generous plan and cap, not many employers paying or offering for
dependents/spouses anymore.
Cheryll Lund—When she first started here, insurance was free for the whole family, hard to take and see the
increases but we knew it was coming.
Stan Langve—long term process? Dave spoke about increased deductible,giving up doctor co-pays,
prescription increases, look more at Health Savings Accounts.
Heidi said she would be taking the 9.9% increase proposal to council.
Jason Wells—are members/employees getting a choice between 9.9 or 16 increase? Roy Voss-316 already
voted to go with the 9.9%, if we were staying with BCBS. Jason Wells- 303 hasn't voted yet. Heidi Jensen -
they will have to do that expediently then.
Dave Allen—dental will be a decrease, we were accepted in to the different pool.
Adjourned at 2:02 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Monica Salo