HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Benefit Consulting SvcsOctober 31, 2013
To: Board of County Commissioners
From: Ronda Connor, Benefits Coordinator
RE: Request for Proposal for Benefit Consulting services
At your November 6, 2013 Work Session, staff will discuss an upcoming Request for Proposal (RFP) for
benefits consulting services. Over the past several years, there has been much discussion at the
County's Budget Committee meetings over the long term sustainability of our self insured health plan.
Deschutes County has been self-funded for health benefits for 13 years. The County has been keeping
pace with the expenses related to the Plan through prudent budgeting practices, strict plan
management, and strategic benefit initiatives.
The County has been implementing strategic benefit changes to contain costs in the Plan. These
changes were recommended through the Segal study in 2011. A larger discussion of the path the Plan is
on occurred at the annual budget committee meetings this year. It was determined to request
assistance in developing a broader scope and long range strategic plan for the continued viability of the
plan.
Attached you will find a draft of the Project Goal section of the planned Request for Proposal for health
benefit consulting services. Staff will discuss the Project Goals with you at the work session to make
sure that issues that are important to the Board are incorporated into the RFP.
The successful proposer will enter into a contract to provide the services outlined.
Section 2 Project Goals
Deschutes County has developed the following goals for its Plan:
1. Analysis of health care cost trends applicable to Deschutes County, including methodology for prediction
of trend rates
2. Development of annual renewal rates: analysis will include identification of plan costs and utilization
trends and how those trends parallel or vary from known general experience of comparable agencies. The
consultant shall work with the County TPAs to define and obtain all analytical/ statistical data required.
I 3. Provide advice and recommendations to the County with respect to any pending or enacted State or Federal
legislation including, but not limited to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and all applicable
Oregon State mandates. Scope shall include, but not be limited to:
a. identifying and quantifying administrative and financial impact of any such legislation~I b. providing time lines for implementation of applicable requirements~
I
c. assist the County in implementing any necessary changes.
4. Assist the County in establishing a five year strategic plan for employee healthcare benefits in the areas of:
a. Benefits offered_and level of benefits
b. Premiums charged to employees~
c. Copay amounts charged to plan participants.
d. Premiums charged to departments.
e. Recommended level of reserve fund,
5. Provide advice and assist in developing policies regarding:
a. data practices
b. records retention
c. privacy issues
6. Provide current information, analysis and recommendations on emerging healthcare payment systems
including, but not limited to:
a. PPO
b. HSA
c. HRA
d. CCO
e. VEBA
7. Provide advice and recommendations regarding maximizing the use of the DOC and DOC Pharmacy
8. Evaluate and recommend County funding mechanism per employee for Plan sustainability., i.e ... composite
vs. tiered funding.
9. Evaluate and recommend a carve-out health benefit plan for COIC employees.
10. Provide actuarial analysis and reporting consistent with the state of Oregon requirements for self-funded
governmental plans.
11. Prepare an annual Stewardship Report for the County including, but not limited to
a. a complete accounting of fees earned on the account
b. observations on relevant changes in the health insurance market
c. view on loss exposures
d. expense trend summaries
Optional Services to be priced separately
1. Provide ongoing analysis and recommendation of:
a. plan design
b. cost containment strategies
c. cost sharing alternatives
2. Provide a team of service representatives available to the County on an ongoing basis.
3. Provide, upon request and from time to time, expert assistance in analysis, underwriting and actuarial
services, advice and assistance in the evaluation of existing benefit plans and advice or assistance with the
design of new plans, and/or any other health benefits related matter.