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(0 <br />compared to 44 employees in all 2008. While employees who exhaust paid leave for health <br />reasons may request 80 hours of Shared Leave and 96 hours of Advanced Sick Leave, they <br />have no income once this time has elapsed. Being covered by disability insurance would <br />protect employees from losing income due to inability to work. <br />While the County does not pay for disability insurance, we recognize it as a valuable benefit for <br />employees. It is of particular value because premiums can be deducted from payroll. Fewer <br />than 10% of employees participate in any supplemental coverage, and fewer than 5% have <br />short term disability coverage. In 2010 we will better communicate to employees the <br />importance of disability coverage, so that fewer employees miss pay checks. No changes are <br />recommended for 2010. <br />Next Steps <br />Pending approval of the 2010 Employee Benefits Renewal on September 15, staff will <br />• Develop and disseminate communications and schedule informational meetings. <br />• Hold Open Enrollment, tentatively scheduled for October 23 to November 11. <br />• Conduct multiple wellness events over several months at various locations instead of a <br />one day Benefits Fair. The first event is scheduled for October 23. <br />• Provide employees and retirees with ample opportunities to get a flu shot and complete a <br />Health Risk Assessment. <br />FINANCIAL IMPACT: <br />Health Insurance: This is within the FY 09-10 approved budget. <br /> Coun Cost Em to ee Cost <br />Current Premium $6,980,000 $1,465,000 <br />Renewal and O tions 1 & 2 3% increase $7,186,000 $1,580,000 <br />Dental Insurance: There is no budget impact in the FY 2009-10 approved budget. Premiums <br />will remain the same for 2010. The proposed changes will reduce the balance in the dental <br />account over time, depending on utilization. <br />Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance; Flexible Compensation Plan/Flexible <br />Spending Accounts; and Employee Assistance Program: <br />There is no additional budget impact. All costs per employee or premiums will remain the same <br />for 2010. <br />RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the renewal of <br />the health insurance with enhancements and incentive (Option 2), and the enhancements to the <br />dental insurance, effective January 1, 2010. <br />6 <br />