HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/25/2019 - Minutescs�Y
aCITY OF RENTON
♦ ♦ LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS & FIREFIGHTERS DISABILITY BOARD
N�o REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
June 25, 2019 — 9:00 a.m.
Renton City Hall —1st Floor HRRM Conference Room
Attendees: Jim Phelan, Jim Matthews, Ed Prince, Armondo Pavone, Russ Olson, Leslie
Clark, Wendy Rittereiser, Maria Sahagun
CALL TO ORDER
LEOFF Board
Jim Phelan called the meeting to order at 9:00 am.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Jim Phelan
Ed Prince moved and Jim Matthews seconded approval of the May 28, 2019 minutes.
Member at Large
Motion passed.
(Chair)
OLD BUSINESS
Wendy gave an update on the new Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PMB), Costco. HRRM
provided announcements to active employees and LEOFF1 retirees. So far, we've heard
Armondo Pavone
positive comments from employees and retirees. Wendy explained the following items:
Council Member
• Members can transfer existing prescriptions to Costco mail order. However,
Costco recommended that members obtain a new prescription. Starting off with
Ed Prince
a new prescription will have a smooth transition and prevent delays.
. Several members will need to change their medication to another equivalent
Council Member
drug, due to the formulary.
• Members will be able to fill prescriptions in other retail pharmacies such as Rite
James Matthew
Aid, Kroeger, Safeway & etc.
Fire and Emergency
• Employees and Retirees do not need to be Costco member to get their
prescriptions through Costco.
Services
. Costco admin fee is more expensive than Envision. However, Costco is able to
get the City a better price on drugs, resulting in overall savings. And, the
Russ Olson
services that Costco will provide is far better than Envision.
Police
Jim Phelan commented that hearing aids and glasses can still be purchase through
Costco which is 50% cheaper. However, members have to pay the cost up front, and
submit their own claims to HMA for reimbursement.
CORRESPONDENCE AND CLAIMS
For the purpose of the LEOFF board meeting, Leslie Clark suggested that instead of
referring members "appeal", it will be called as "claims" for the initial request. Only if the
claim is denied does it become an appeal.
Member 8752 — Purchase of Hearing Aids
Ed Prince moved and Jim Matthews seconded approval of purchasing hearing aids
before the next eligibility (12/20), up to $5,600. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Jim Phelan raised the following questions and would like to find out the cost and analysis
for the enhancements:
• Retiree dental plan — Can the City offer a dental plan for the retirees with the
same benefit as the active employees? Currently, LEOFF1 coverage is up to
$500 for preventive only.
• Long Term Care — Is the current benefit limit reasonable for the market? The
benefit cost for Long Term Care was base many years ago. Perhaps, it is good
time to review with the current market.
Wendy will do the research and analysis for these benefits. However, Wendy reminded everyone that if
there are benefits enhancements involve, the Council has to approve it first.
COMMENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Russ Olson brought up that he will not be able to physically attend the LEOFF board sometime due to
travel. Russ would like to stay as board member and attend meetings via phone. Leslie confirmed that
there is nothing in the Board rules that prohibits phone attendance. Wendy suggested that when she
sends the agenda, members inform her of their intent to join the meeting through conference call, and
provide the phone number where they can be reached.
ADJOURNMENT at 9:45 am, Jim Matthews moved and Ed Prince seconded to adjourn. Jim Phelan
closed the meeting.