Insurance Committee

Draft Minutes

January 23, 2003

Members: Quentin Ford, Holly Shinault, Jacky Ryberg, Tina Byford, and Mike Levine

Ex Officio: Janet May, Bob Howell, and Marge Haas

Visitors: Hilda Moya

1. Introductions – Tina Byford

2. Minutes for December 4, 2002

• Approved with correction for claims amount from October and announcement date for Jan meeting.

3. Claims Report (Mercer)

§ 18 month trend line projection running at 22%, 24 month trend line running at 13%

§ December claims came in at $1,815,676 or $441.81 per employee per member

§ At least two claims this year will be over the $250,000 ceiling

§ Calendar year 2001, $373.84 per employee per month, calendar year 2002, $419.33 per member per month; represents a 12.2% increase

4. General discussion on plan design changes and the possible effects on the premium. An important point was made that any plan changes will have to be within the parameters already established within BCBS. For example, co-pays may only be decreased or increased in increments that the plan accommodates. The committee also asked for a statistical report from Personnel outlining the number of employees by plan selection within the payment groups as mandated by the legislature. There will be further discussion at the February meeting.

5. Meeting dates for the Spring semester were changed slightly:

Feb 27

March 20

April 24

May 20

6. Elections were held. Tina Byford was re-elected as Chair, and Jim Strickland was re-elected as Secretary for the calendar year 2003.

7. A general discussion was held on an alternative dental insurance plan. Both Tina Byford and Quentin Ford were approached by individuals outside the university who strongly suggested that we review the plan for possible implementation at NMSU. The plan was recently implemented at Baylor University. Personnel and Mercer will review the plan for further committee action.

8. Fringe Benefits for the university – Janet May reported that bids have been received on the Vision and Legal Services coverage. The university is still working on the long-term care and spending account plans. An option for retiree dental insurance will be presented by April.

9. Next meeting: February 25, 2003; 1:30 pm; Hadley Hall Large Conference Room