2004 Minutes

Attending:  Berriman, Boaz, Donnellan, D. King, J. King, Mackey, Satzinger, Tooley, Tuttle

Not Attending:  Jahnke, Johnson, Moore

Two visitors from Med-Pay, Sheen Arnold and Megan Broemmer, attended the meeting to discuss the proposed Amendment #12 to our Medical Plan.  Howard asked if members had questions or for items which needed clarification.  A new Amendment #12 was distributed to those present and will be sent through campus mail to members who were not able to attend. 

Janis King asked about the $50 emergency room deductible which is separate from the calendar year deductible.  A discussion ensued and most medical plans have a deductible for ER visits.  The average cost of an ER visit is $1375.   Data suggests we don’t have an abuse of the ER system.  This “severity clause” adds a separate deductible for ER visits and is in addition to the regular deductible.  John Satzinger motioned to delete this item from the amendment.  Janis King seconded; the motion passed with one abstention.   

Many changes in the amendment are simply sentences being moved in order to make the plan clear and understandable.  Neosha asked for other comments or questions. 

Howard pointed out that a second ultrasound has been added for routine pregnancies as an additional benefit. 

Coverage has been added for smoking cessation in the amount of $200 per calendar year after the deductible has been met.  This is based on other typical plan coverages and will be a physician directed program, covering  such things as behavior management classes and/or prescription medication.  Studies have shown that people who go through cessation programs are more likely to stick to it.

A discussion ensued regarding Weight Management/Control.  It seems prudent for us to establish a dollar limit on weight management control.  Based on other plans, Med-Pay has recommended that this be added to our plan.  As worded in Amendment 12, this benefit has a lifetime maximum of $50,000.  A discussion ensued regarding whether this should be revised to one surgery per lifetime.  Med-Pay will do some research and get back to us about this. 

Members discussed plan exclusions (page 38 – Alcohol, and Page 39 – Hazardous Hobby or Activity) and felt that the Hazardous Hobby or Activity exclusion be removed.

Neosha asked employees to review the revised Amendment 12, and the committee will meet next Tuesday, November 16, to continue discussion. 

 The meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.