HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10301990 - H.7 H. 7
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on -October 30, 1990 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Powers , Schroder, McPeak, Torlakson, Fanden
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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SUBJECT: Premium Increases in Health Plans
Paul Katz , Contra Costa County Retirees Association, P. O.
Box 222 , Martinez , appeared before the Board this day and commented
on the impact of increased health care premiums on retirees as well
as county employees . He expressed opposition to a proposal under
consideration for a two-tiered First Choice, Health Plan.
Carl Carey, representing the Deputy Sheriffs Association,
stated his opposition to any reduction in any health plan benefits .
He expressed concern with implementing a two-tiered First Choice
Health Plan and potential consequences to the solvency of the more
expensive tier. He advised that there is a feeling among his
membership that the County is attempting to offer only one health,
plan, namely the Contra Costa Health Plan.
Randy Johnese, representing Social Workers , SEIU Local 535 ,
662 - 27th Street, Oakland, commented on the change in contract
dates with Health Care providers . He expressed opposition to
approximately $100 ,000 in County personnel costs associated with
the First Choice Health Plan being charged directly to plan mem-
bers . He also advised of his opposition to reduced health plan
benefits .
Jim Hicks , Business Agent, AFSCME Local 2700 and 512 , 1000
Court Street, Martinez , alleged that the County committed an unfair
labor practice by not meeting in good faith on health care benefit
costs . He referred to changes in the Kaiser Health Plan contract
and the First Choice Plan. He expressed the belief that the County
has misrepresented the cost of maintaining the First Choice Health
Plan by charging Plan members with salaries and overhead that are
the responsibility of the County. Mr. Hicks spoke on the need for
establishing a trust fund for the First Choice Plan. He advised
that many of his members cannot afford the high premiums of health
plans and therefore will cancel their health insurance, a situation
that can be disastrous in the case of illness .
Henry Clarke, General Manager, Contra Costa Employees Associ-
ation, Local I , referred to the approximately 1500 employees who
prefer a health plan like the First Choice Plan. He also expressed
opposition to a two-tiered First Choice Health Plan and on the
County moving the open enrollment and contract date for the Kaiser
Plan. He referred to the 33 percent premium increase in the Kaiser
Plan. Mr. Clarke commented on the need to take responsibility for
the First Choice Health Plan through the establishment of a trust
fund.
Comments on this matter were also heard from the following
who expressed agreement with statements of the previous speakers :
Victoria Scott, 32 Monivea Place ,, Pleasant Hill ;
Stephanie Brown Fehur, California Nurses Association,
1100 Eleventh Street, Suite 200 , Sacramento ; and
Claudine Thomas , 1463 Date Street, Martinez .
At the conclusion of the speakers ' comments , the Board
considered the issues raised and of the need to meet with employee
representatives on this matter.
Therefore, IT IS BY THE BOARD ORDERED that the County Admin-
istrator is REQUESTED to schedule a workshop with the employee
organizations to resolve the concerns relative to employee health
plans .
1 hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
Board of Supervisors on :he date shown.
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cc: County Administrator ATTESTED: 0�a�� /Q f�D _
Personnel Director PHIL BATCHELO' , Clerk of the Board
of Supervisors and county Administrator
By � Deputy