HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_Broker of Record_12/11/2008VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA
BROKER OF RECORD -SELECTION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2008
1. Call to Order and Roll Call
The Village of Broker of Record Selection Committee held a scheduled meeting at the
Tequesta Village Hall, 345 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Thursday, December
11, 2008. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m. Roll was called and present
were Human Resources Manager Merlene Reid, Police Chief William McCollom, Fire
Chief James Weinand, Finance Director JoAnn Forsythe, and Village Clerk Lori
McWilliams.
2. Presentation by Gehring Group
Present were Kurt Gehring, Christian Bergstrom, Ellen Jones and Anna Maria Studley
Kurt Gehring, Gehring Group gave a slide presentation and noted the Groups strengths
and that it was focused primarily in the Public sector.
Christian Bergstrom, Director of Analytical Services explained the employer's cost and
benefits components through using The Gehring Group and noted a few members in their
client base, comparisons available and their areas of expertise.
Ellen Jones, Director of Risk Management explained employee benefits offered, claims,
and billing. Chief McCollom asked if Gehring would be continually researching services
and products to assure Tequesta received competitive pricing. Ms. Jones responded that
the company does do research periodically. Mr. Gehring noted the detrimental element of
continually going out for request for proposals and companies' resistance when the
requests appeared to be often. He explained their research was to assure that premiums
were fair and reasonable.
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, asked if Gehring could assist in getting a
finalized figure by July so that Finance would not be delayed in their budget process. Mr.
Gehring stated they could and explained that the group went out for bids in specific
situations along with a continual process of comparing and negotiating prices throughout
the year. He noted the trend and inflation averaged 10% to 11 % and the average
renewal was approximately 8% negotiated down from an increase of 18%.
Ms. Jones noted the employer and employee resources available along with details of the
employee benefit booklet given to each employee.
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December 11, 2008
Page 2
Anna Maria Studley, Senior Account Manager noted her background and expertise in
assisting with compliancy to the legislation as it relates to the carrier and the offered
policy. She also noted additional items offered through the Gehring Group such as
wellness fairs and educational tools. Ms. Forsythe asked if employees could call the
company directly. Ms. Studley responded that their employees were cross trained and
ready to assist with any of their needs.
Mr. Bergstrom noted the specialized needs of Cobra and their administrative service
options. Ms Forsythe asked about the process of claims. Ms. Studley explained options
available through outside vendors. Mr. Bergstrom also noted the positive benefits of
Tequesta's retirees being on the Village's insurance plan versus subsidizing their
premiums.
Chief Weinand asked about analysis of specific areas of the plan. Mr. Bergstrom
responded that analysis were done on a quarterly basis and included items such as
utilization of emergency rooms, urgent care versus minute clinics, prescriptions and
more.
Chief McCollom noted the Village was inquiring on what was available but not necessarily
unhappy with the product they had at present.
Mr. Gerhing noted a few of the possible changes to the Insurance sector through the
Obama administration. Council Member Paterno asked about the sectors main
competitors. Mr. Gerhing also noted the offered services included in their fixed fee.
3. Presentation by Wells Fargo
Ms. Merlene Reid introduced Mr. Steven Olsen from Wells Fargo.
Mr. Steven Olson, Representative for Wells Fargo noted the company's strengths and
their history with governmental agencies. He also explained the percentage of insured
clients utilizing the health savings account (HSA) and noted the positives and negatives
of switching. He stated that banks and insurance companies were joining together to
make these employer sponsored options work although the plans vary from running on a
yearly or fiscal cycle. Mr. Olson stated that Cigna assured they would offer a fiscal year
deductible to assist with fihe change.
Police Chief McCollom asked if Wells Fargo would assist in the plan selection for the
Village. Mr. Olson suggested working with the budget and the employees while
comparing how a new plan would differ from what was held at present.
Ms. JoAnn Forsythe, Director of Finance, asked about the Wells Fargo client. Mr. Olson
noted the percentage of municipal clients.
Chief McCollom stated that the Village was looking for a company that would actively
monitor the health care sector. Mr. Olson reassured that their job was to remain abreast
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December 11, 2008
Page 3
of the markets and the insurance premium adjustment trend and the competitive portion
along with alternative products to assure the best deals.
Ms. Forsythe asked how the employees' questions would be answered. Mr. Olson stated
employees could call directly and noted the company would offer health and benefits
fairs.
MOTION: Chief Weinand moved approval of the Gehring Group as the Insurance Broker
for the Village; seconded by Ms. JoAnn Forsythe. Motion unanimously carried 4-0.
4. Adjournment
MOTION: The meeting adjourned at 11:45 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Lori McWilliams, CMC
Village Clerk