Called to Order

 The meeting was called to order at 3:04 p.m.

Changes to Agenda

 There were no changes to the agenda.

Committee Chair's Report

 Mr. Dennis did not have a report.

Presentation - Health Benefits

 Ms. Kominos provided the Committee with a Power Point presentation of the County's Health Insurance Benefits including both prescription and medical insurance coverage offered to its employees and retirees.  Health benefits are provided to County employees, Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) employees, Public Library employees, and all retiree groups (including County, TC3, Public Library, and County Hospital).

 There are three health insurance plans currently offered by the County: Traditional, Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO).  The prescription plans vary by bargaining unit for those employees enrolled in the Traditional Plan.  Prescription Plans for both the PPO and HMO plans remain constant regardless of employee's bargaining unit or employer.

 A brief discussion followed concerning the County's involvement in negotiations for the Public Library and TC3.  At this time, the County Legislature participates in contract negotiations with TC3 but not the Public Library.

 Ms. Kominos and Mr. Boden explained that if there is a change in the health insurance package for the Public Library or TC3, the employees absorb that amount whether it is a decrease or increase in the premium.  It has no impact on the County as the County does not pay for that cost.

 Ms. Kiefer asked for the number of employees enrolled from the Public Library, TC3, as well as a list of the retirees broken out from each of the entities.  Ms. Kominos agreed to provide said information.

Ms. Kiefer asked if the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes could be made available.  Mr. Boden stated that information is proprietary and is not available.

 Ms. Kominos continued with the presentation and said that under the National Medical Health Card (NMHC Rx), prescription coverage for the Traditional and PPO plans are provided.  Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the prescription drug benefits for those enrolled in the HMO plan.

 At this time she gave an overview of the deductibles, co-pays, and medical coverage and services provided with each of the three plans.

 Ms. Kominos explained the process for employees enrolling or changing their health insurance plan.  She said that at the time of orientation and open enrollment (held annually) employees are provided with all the necessary information and given the opportunity to enroll or change their health insurance plans.  Another opportunity for an employee to change his/her plan outside the open enrollment process is during a qualifying event.  Some examples of a qualifying event include such matters as marriage, death, birth of a child.

 Ms. Kominos briefly discussed the concerns she's been hearing from the retirees for the increased costs of the non-preferred brand prescriptions (Tier 3 - $25 co-pay).  She is encouraging them to contact their physician to discuss this formulary plan and see if there is a generic drug or brand available.

Mr. Estes noted too that prescription plans and co-pays are a negotiated item with the bargaining units.

A brief discussion followed concerning the County's flex plan available to all County employees.  The plan allows employees to have money deducted from their paycheck prior to taxes to use for medical, dental, or optical expenses not covered by their health insurance.

Mr. Proto believes having a broader outreach and education about the flex plan would be valuable to employees.  He also spoke about the County's experience in the past with rebates from the health insurance company and asked if information could be provided at a future meeting on how that number is determined and distributed.  He also reminded the Committee of the County's wellness program that many Legislators participated in, in the past.

Mr. Proto spoke about employees using the emergency room for their primary health care.  He understands this does not cost the employee anything, but said this should be discouraged as the cost to the County is significant.  Mr. Boden spoke to this issue and said there are options the County can explore such as imposing a co-pay for an emergency room visit that is not determined to be an emergency.  However, it was noted that this is a negotiated item.  Mr. Estes said this is an area that needs more education for employees and a change of behaviors.

At this time, Ms. Kominos distributed copies of the 2006 Tompkins County Health Insurance rates.

It was noted that the Library employees' contract is currently being negotiated as it expired December 31, 2005.  Ms. Mackesey said she would like to discuss why the County is not part of the contract negotiations with the Library at a future meeting.  Mr. Dennis stated the Library operates under a different set of guidelines and rules than the County as well as being chartered under State Education Law.  Negotiations are done with the Board of Trustees as stated in State Education Law.  Ms. Kiefer noted there will be a liaison assigned to the Library Board of Trustees from the Government Operations Committee at their next meeting and that it may be conceivable that that liaison person could ask to be involved with negotiations team.  Mr. Dennis further stated that the County approves a budgeted amount of money for the Library that is handled by the Trustees as well as any other money received by the Library.

A brief discussion also followed concerning contract negotiations for TC3.

Ms. Mackesey requested detailed information pertaining to the cost of health insurance at a future meeting.

Mr. Dennis raised the question about a cafeteria approach and recommended this be discussed at a future meeting as well.  Mr. Dennis requested Committee members to continue thinking about the discussions and questions raised at this meeting and said he will ask the Committee to discuss this subject further at another meeting.

Mr. Dennis said he will be asking the Legislature and the Budget and Capital Committee for guidance and direction with future discussions as well.  Ms. Kiefer asked if this Committee will explore possible changes to health-care benefits in the future.

Mr. Proto spoke briefly about a Health Benefits Committee that was created a number of years ago and believed it to be productive.  He feels that at this stage, this is only information gathering for this Committee.

Ms. Kiefer noted that the earlier committees included some Legislators and other employees and asked if it would be appropriate to have a volunteer group of Legislators and employees interested in health care explore a cafeteria plan and educate ourselves at the same time.  Mr. Dennis said he disagrees with that direction as he believes it could be seen as negotiating and could send the wrong message.  He agrees with information gathering however.

Review Committee Goals

The Committee reviewed and categorized the following list of proposed goals and made suggested changes.  The Committee also requested they be put in categories as detailed below.  Ms. Kiefer requested that at a future meeting that a presentation be held on all benefits.

Action items (Committee information with most items requiring committee approval)

Ø Performance Reviews and evaluations- County employees

Information only (Committee review and understanding of items - committee action may be needed on some items)

Ø Progressive discipline procedures

Staff directives (responsibility of staff with committee review and input)

Ø Study Guides for taking Civil Service exams

Approval of Minutes

 It was MOVED by Mr. Proto, seconded by Ms. Mackesey, and unanimously adopted by voice vote by members present, to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2006 meeting as corrected.

Other Business

 Mr. Dennis referenced a question raised at last evening's Legislature meeting regarding worker's compensation and followed up by stating that employees are not allowed to receive any other compensation while on worker's compensation.

Adjournment

 The meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m.