Minutes
April 9, 2013
Guild Office
PARTICIPANTS:
James Bradley, Local 99; Manny Pangel, Organizer SEIU Local 99; Susan Carleo, President-Valley; Annie G. Reed, Teamsters;
Velma Butler, AFT1521A; Stacey Allen, Health Benefits; Galen Bullock, SEIU 721; Leila Menzies, Business Services; Amy Roberts,
AFT 1521; Ken Takeda, VP Admin/Mgmt; Don Sparks, Faculty-Pierce; Susan Aminoff, Retiree; Jim Adams, BTC; Art Brickman,
IBEW #45; Gary Delaney, WFIS; ; Kristin Yokoyama, WFIS; Terri Mendez, WFIS; Krystie Dascoli, WFIS; Armida Ornelas, Faculty
Guild; Joanne Waddell, AFT
I. Call to Order
II. Approval of Agendas
A. March 12, 2013 – approved
B. April 9, 2013 - approved
III. Approval of Minutes
A. February 12, 2013 – approved
B. March 12, 2013 - motion to approve with changes/edits. See Notes
IV. Public Comments – A concern was raised about privacy/HIPAA in regard to telephone conversations between member and
pharmacist. It appears that CVS Caremark is able to listen to conversations without the members consent. Let Jeremy know.
V. Health Benefit Unit Report
A. CalPERS Error with STRS Retirees Premiums – Collection notices were sent out to retirees. There is a lack of
reconciliation between STRS and CalPERS. How can we avoid this from happening again? Leila will go back to CalPERS to
inquire. Keep on agenda for update. Blue Shield member’s address appears to be an issue too. What zip codes belong to which
plans? Regarding Kaiser, there are errors based on wrong zip codes, such as Kaiser zip codes outside 50 miles limit.
B. Dependent Eligibility Verification Project – Everyone should have received their letter from CalPERS regarding
Amnesty. Members have until the end of June to remove ineligible dependents. Member must now include
documentation/verification of dependents or they will be removed/deleted. CalPERS has refined the domestic partner
definition; they are not eligible. Ineligible dependents must buy a separate plan. Employer has no obligation to offer benefits to
DPs at this time.
VI. Communications Committee Update
A. Adjuncts Enrollment Process/Communication Piece & Meeting Update – we recently learned from CalPERS that our
current Open-Enrollment for Adjuncts has been handled incorrectly. Annual Enrollment for Adjuncts should only be offered like
all other members based on their eligibility. To becoming eligible, one must experience a life event. CalPERS enrollment is
based on calendar year (January through February). Uncertainty was a concern using current system. With the change, an
adjunct would enroll knowing the actual rates. There are pros and cons using the calendar year. Deductions would need to be
reviewed such as a 4 month deduction for the Fall and 6 months for the Spring. Cons under current system include the “CatchUp” calculations. FAQs will be included in a memo/newsletter. There will be more information to follow at next meeting.
B. Spring Newsletter/Bulletin – refer to handout. Move bottom right logo to center top and use larger font; make “Health
Benefits” title font smaller. Change “patient” picture to an “adult”. See edits to Dependent Verification Updates Essential. (Move
last paragraph and add white color title). On 3rd page, Horizon Health, change to: Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
through Horizon Health, and make that change throughout paragraph. Add ADP customer service number on page 1 (last
sentence in blue section). Back cover picture - change? Page 1 Mustard: What, Why, How approach? A motion to approve
newsletter was made once edits are made. Send changes to Armida, Electronically to all EEs, then hard copy mailer to home
addresses to RETIREES.
C. Website Update – District has been involved in upgrading their website. We were suppose to go live last Monday but will
go LIVE next Monday, 4/15. Frustrations were shared based on past meetings which include enhancements/edits to site, but
due to time constraints, website cannot be updated as discussed. The site will include minimum changes vs. the edits that
were discussed in the last communications meetings. Perhaps ask Dr. Barrera to see what we can do in order to give the
committee a voice.
VII. Request For Proposals (RFP’s) Status
A. Basic & Voluntary Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment – Update. 12 respondents gave a proposal to
WFIS, and now WFIS is reviewing the results. Next step is to meet with subcommittee to review for a 1/1/2014 effective date.
(Velma, Ken, Armida, Leila)
B. Voluntary Benefits – Krystie Dascoli: products are state filed; commissions are built into the plans. WFIS can provide
additional services. Product, fit, and carriers are all considered for each client’s needs.
1. Short Term Disability handout – (Unum, AFLAC, Colonial, Transamerica). Rates are based on census data
provided. Level rates (same rate at enrollment through end of plan). 7 day sick/7 day injury/3 or 6 month benefits
duration). Pays on top of benefit, it is not an offset. Benefit amount can be adjusted based on needs. No medical
questions asked. Pre-existing condition clause was explained, minimum participation was reviewed as well. MGI –
modified guaranteed issue. Outside Enrollment Firms WFIS uses does not include commissions, their role is to
assist/educate the member, not to SELL. If you have a current plan, the enroller will review the current plan vs. the
proposed plans/rates/differences. “Issue age” means you have to purchase it. Offered to ACTIVES but can still use plan
once retired. Claims paying data was requested. WFIS services include claims servicing. Typical delays for delayed
payment are due to needs from Physician, Employee, and Employer. Individual vs. Group Chasse was explained – rates
are based on either Group offering discount basis or Individual offering rates. ER picks one carrier (Unum and Colonial
offer all benefits that LACCD is looking for). But Transamerica has a good Life and LTC. Unum has a rider for Alcohol, N/A
for AFLAC, and rider for Colonial, included in Transamerica.
2. Long Term Care – (Transamerica, Unum, Colonial). As WFIS consultant, does not recommend this type of plan as it
is not a stable product at this time. Can the active employee enroll their retired spouse?
3. Permanent Life – ((Transamerica, Unum, Colonial). Transamerica is the strongest offering under this offering.
Universal vs. Whole Life (universal is like a variable plan) Where whole life makes more sense if you want stability. Each
line of coverage was reviewed. Transamerica offers a high Guarantee Issue overall. Have to be actively at work to be
eligible. Can WFIS compare these plans to CalPERS plans? The Pros and Cons can be reviewed in detail. Extension of
Benefits and the Buy-Up Provision is superior overall. Term Life is lower priced, but as you get older the price increases.
Permanent Life is lower if purchased at a younger age and remains at same rates for life.
4. Hospital Indemnity Plan – (a buffer plan, if you have a plan with a high deductible, HSA plan) If you are
hospitalized, you receive the benefits listed. (Unum vs. Colonial) Krystie walked the group through each line of benefit.
Rates reflect per week. This plan must be sold with a major medical plan. Enroller will cater to group’s needs to
successfully communicate the benefits.
5. Pet Insurance vs. Pet Discount - Discount program is the better program. What about the medications? Retiree
offering would be excluded. No claim forms. Discount Card is used, using network. Pet Assure network is bigger but
United has a bigger discount. Direct Bill vs. Payroll deducted? WFIS will follow up.
6. WellCard – discount card for listed services for active employees. No fee to client. Network based service. This plan
is designed for those who have no medical insurance. But will include a discount on Vision Care, Vitamins, Lab work.
Consult a doc program, and $35 copay, see handout for all services/highlights. Committee suggests putting this on the
agenda for next month. 2 voluntary benefits are required in order to use the WellCard. Use “Age 57” and “Smoker” exhibit.
VIII. VSP Vision Coverage Options – VSP pricing. Kristin reviewed line by line benefit options. If group moves from Signature to
Choice, the savings would be $229,045). The other benefit options are additional costs.
1. VSP Signature vs. Choice Plans – exhibit shows the benefit differences line by line. Refer to handouts for further
details. Open Access Schedule shows the amounts VSP will pay. Keep on agenda. Use savings to enhance the plan
design. WFIS will come up with recommendations.
IX. Health Benefits Satisfaction Survey - Sample Update. Give WFIS updates by 4/16. Electronically for all with health plans and
hard copy to retirees.
X. Wellness Update – health fairs are well received thus far. Funding is the issue.
XI. Next JLMBC meeting – May 14, 2013
XII. Adjourn 12:01pm