HomeMy WebLinkAboutInsurance Committee Minutes 02.27.2017 February 27, 2017
Insurance Committee Meeting
Present: Heidi Jensen, Bethany Keeler, Kelly Strecker, Monica Salo, Roy Voss, Fred Gregory,Tom Nelson, and
Bruce McGee.
Guests: Dave Allen, Eric Allen, Brandon Corey
Chair Heidi Jensen called the meeting to order at 2:07 p.m.
Dave Allen introduced his son Eric Allen who is part of his insurance business. The Insurance Committee
introduced themselves to Dave and Eric.
201.7 Insurance: Heidi and Bethany met with Dave a couple of weeks ago and asked Dave to speak about what
we are looking forward to. Dave stated that the media rumors for high increases were for the ACA individual
plans, mostly"Bronze", with 40-60%increases. City of Laurel is a Large Group, 50+employees,and has a
"credibility" so we are not in the plans for the really high increases.
Dave handed out a packet of CONFIDENTIAL usage for the city, and due to HIPPA cannot be shared outside of
the committee.
Where are rates going? Dave spoke about demographics and trends and % increases for medical and
prescriptions throughout the health care system. Rates will be set 90 days out, if there is no big "spike"for
February claims, and then we should be at trend or below, which is 9%.
BCBS will again offer the dual option plans, 70/30 and 80/20 (75-80%of the city is on this plan)with the
possibility of a 3rd plan (HSA) plan being offered;this will be determined at a later time if the City will be able
to do this. Coverages will be the same, some prescription coverage will be better, looking at a new "Preferred
Value Generic" which would be NO cost to members.
Insurance Benefits Updates: Eric talked about a new virtual doctor visits called "MDLIVE", it is a $40 co-pay
and used via skype or video, mainly for the basics like cold;flu, sinus infection, and if prescription is called for,
it will be sent to pharmacy. If a member dials in with a serious illness like chest pains,the system will
automatically preclude them and refer to an emergency room or to see a Doctor in person. Some members
have utilized and liked it.
Fitness Program: Is$25 month and can be used at both Laurel fitness centers and anywhere in the state
where the center is on the BCBS plan. For the month of March,the$50 sign up is waived,with refer-a-friend
benefits.
Blue Access Members: Dave encourages everyone to sign up for this so they can access their claims, benefits,
etc. on line at any time. He will do a Q&A session and explain Benefits for members sometime in May.
CVS Pharmacy: Dave said that CVS lost 20%of their business and they are looking at accepting BCBS
prescriptions in the near future.
Future?: Monica asked Dave what it would look like if we went out and "shopped". Dave said that at this
time, no one can match our benefits,would be really surprised if we could get a better rate. Pacific Source is
basically Billings Clinic use only as their dual hospital plan is really expensive. Laurel Medical Center is owned
by Saint Vincent so nothing local could be utilized. MMIA and Allegiant can't offer what we have now for the
same rates. While our claim history has been better,they still look back at 36 months of claims to help with
setting rates. Having a HSA plan will help our rates in the future. As long as February claims come in under
50%then our increase should only be at trend or below.
Heidi stated that the Insurance Committee is advisory;the recommendation comes from her to the Council for
decision.
Tom asked if the City could match/help HSA contribution. Heidi said they haven't talked about it yet, will see
what the rates come in as.
Union 303 Representative Fred Gregory stated that he still needs to appoint another rep for the insurance
committee from their Union.
Brandon Corey, guest from Union 316, stated that rates are getting out of control and the city is going to lose
good hands (employees) because employees can't afford all the increases. Heidi said that we can't control the
rates and Dave recognizes how expensive insurance is.
Heidi will notify of next meeting when rates are received.
Adjourned at 3:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Monica Salo