EBCC Meeting

1. EBCC Meeting December 8, 2011

2. Benefits Fair • Well attended • Positive feedback on Benefits Fair vendors • Continued concerns about parking • Logistical issues related to timing of setup and take down of booths • Need to identify a new location for next • Fairgrounds • Convention Center • SCC • Questions, comments, suggestions for other locations

3. WEA Verification • WEA has contracted with a firm to conduct verification of dependents enrolled on the WEA plan • Letters went out to all members with dependents on WEA plans • Follow- up letters scheduled to go out on December 23 • Remind staff that they need to respond and use the information numbers provided on the letters for assistance

4. Experience Reports • See Handouts

5. Open Enrollment Results

6. Health Care Authority Study • A performance audit by the Washington State Auditor’s office that reported cost saving could be achieved by changing the insurance benefit structure within K-12 was released in January 2011 • The Legislature directed the Health Care Authority (HCA) to study how a statewide insurance pool could provide insurance benefits to school district employees • HCA assembled a team of consultants and formed an advisory committee to obtain a better understanding of school district benefits • Advisory committee consisted of representatives from WEA, insurance carriers, insurance consultants, school districts staff, HCA staff

7. HCA Report to Address • Equitable access to quality and affordable health services for all eligible K-12 public school employees and their dependents • Transparency of costs to employees, the Legislature and the public • Stability in the system risk pool • School district and employee participation in system governance • Reduced duplication and increased cost efficiency • Continuity of care, with minimal disruption to existing relationships between insured individuals and their healthcare providers

8. HCA Report to Contain • A recommended purchasing strategy for a consolidated benefits system at the aggregate level • Projected pros and cons for employees, school districts, and the state resulting from the transition from the current system to the proposed consolidated state-administered system • Projected pros and cons resulting from moving to mandatory school district participation with provisions for exemption, or voluntary participation • An implementation strategy identifying the process, timeline and budget the HCA will need to undertake to successfully implement necessary management, operations, information systems, etc. for start-up as early as the 2013-2014 school year.

9. HCA Draft Report • Concerns about provisions in the draft report have been expressed by member of the advisory committee and others • Requirements under opt out provision • Handling of vision, dental and other insurance benefits • Level of benefits available to employees • Impact on bargaining • Input is still being accepted by the HCA

10. HCA Report and Beyond • HCA report to be provided to the state legislature by December 15 • Additional information is available on the HCA website at http://www.hca.wa.govunder K12 Benefits Report • HCA is prepared to answer additional questions from the Legislature and explore any additional options as directed by the Legislature • Legislative action is necessary to change the existing benefit structure

11. Reminders • Flexible spending account enrollment forms due December 15 • New premiums will be reflected in December pay • New pooling rates in effect for December • Administration building will be closed from December 24- January 2 as a result of budget reductions. Staff will be utilizing vacation during this time.

12. Enjoy Winter Break Thank you for serving on the EBCC