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increasing the co-pay again this year would not be the best way to resolve this issue, particularly <br /> for people with dependent children. <br /> Michael McGinnis said that, with medical costs skyrocketing, people will have to pay up <br /> front with premiums or in co-pays. He said that employees who do not go to see their doctors <br /> regularly will incur an expense when something really goes bad or they will go to the emergency <br /> room. He wants to encourage everyone to get preventative care. <br /> Chair Jacobs made reference to the wellness activities and asked if there has been any <br /> more planning for a wellness center. Michael McGinnis said that he has talked several times <br /> with staff from the Health Department. The input is that it would not be easy to implement <br /> because the departments are so spread out. <br /> Commissioner Carey said that it is worth it to have a wellness center. He said that <br /> organizations are doing this all over the country, and Orange County has not stepped up to the <br /> plate. The initial investment would be large, but the dividends come quickly and continue to <br /> grow. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked that the potential costs at least be shown to the Board for a <br /> wellness center. He would like to have this before December 1st. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to take up the offer to meet with the <br /> staff about the different health care plans. Michael McGinnis said that the least amount of <br /> change would be the renewal of the plan design and the continuation of the HMO and PPO. He <br /> said that all options have some change associated with them. <br /> Commissioner Carey asked how much the County was spending on group life <br /> insurance per year and it was answered $114,519 last year and the same is anticipated this <br /> year. It varies with the number of employees and their salaries. <br /> Commissioner Carey made reference to the buy up plan and if the employee wants the <br /> higher-cost option, he or she would have to pay the difference in the premiums. <br /> Michael McGinnis explained the buy up plan coverage and said that the monthly cost <br /> for employee and spouse would be $291.18. The County is picking up most of the cost. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked clarifying questions about HMOs and PPOs and Michael <br /> McGinnis explained these. <br /> Chair Jacobs asked if screening new employees for certain things has been discussed <br /> or contemplated and Michael McGinnis said no. <br /> Michael McGinnis asked if the Board would like a recommendation with alternatives and <br /> the Board agreed. <br /> Commissioner Gordon asked that more information come back to the Board on the <br /> coinsurance, the amount per member, and the whole family for the HMO versus PPO. <br /> 4. Resolution Submitting Comments Regarding Alternatives for the Durham-Chapel <br /> Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization's 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan <br /> Transportation Planner Karen Lincoln said that the purpose of this item is for the Board <br /> to endorse comments to submit to the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning <br /> Organization Transportation Advisory Committee regarding Orange County's preference about <br /> the Long Range Transportation Plan. <br /> 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) <br /> Alternatives Analysis <br /> Presentation Outline <br /> •Purpose <br />