Minutes 02-06-2018 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

23 cooperative for a minimum of three years. He said the goal is to eventually be able to get best in show on everything you do, with this pool being as large as some of the largest private sector employers in North Carolina. He said this leads to greater leverage in the marketplace, and better deals year after year. Commissioner Price asked if this is already in existence now. Gregg Aleman said it will start on July 1, 2018. Commissioner Price asked if the plan design would change. Gregg Aleman said the plan design would not change as it is written. Brenda Bartholomew said the County is with United Healthcare now, and changing is a big decision. She said a few years ago this decision arose, and the County remained with United Healthcare. She said staff has run a disruption report, and there will be very little disruption if the County moves to BCBS. She said the County would still have the ability to speak and advocate on anyone’s behalf if there is a disruption in service. She said it is not just United Healthcare to BCBS, it is also taking the Envision Rx back to Prime Therapeutics, all under the umbrella of BCBS. She said the staff has stressed to Gallagher Services that the BOCC is concerned about not disrupting access to care, and making sure benefit plans stay intact. She said Gallagher has provided assurance that the process will be smooth. Commissioner Rich referred to page 1-2, where it says each local government member has representation on the board, and asked if this board and its process could be explained. Gregg Aleman said groups usually appoint a County Manager/HR/Financial Director, who review financials and vendors, to see what can be improved, etc. He said this will be an evolution, and his company is merely there to offer pros and cons, and will not have a vote; the decision lies in the hands of the communities. Wes Grigston said the group would meet on a quarterly basis. Commissioner Price asked Bonnie Hammersley if the BOCC voted in favor of this change, would it go into the budget in June. Bonnie Hammersley said as of July 1st the County would become a member of the pool, and the next item this evening is the approval of their plans, which would also begin July 1. She said this change should be seamless to employees, but there is a disruption plan in place, and the County can terminate on an annual basis. A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to: 1) Approve Orange County to join the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (NCHIP) effective July 1, 2018, allowing long-term stability and predictability in future health insurance budgets, greater buying power, continued ownership in plan design and the opportunity to capture savings through dividends. This will allow Orange County to demonstrate how, by working together, governments across North Carolina may collaborate to create a stable, predictable, and sustainable health program; 2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Resolution for Participation in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool (Attachment 1); and 3) Authorize the County Manager to sign the applicable bylaws/contract and subsequent vendor contracts when applicable following the County Attorney’s review. RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PARTICIPATION IN THE NORTH CAROLINA HEALTH INSURANCE POOL WHEREAS, North Carolina local governments, including any North Carolina county, city, or housing authority, may enter into contracts or agreements under Article 23 of Chapter