Reformed Presbyterian Minutes of Synod 1997 - Rparchives.org

42 MINUTES OF THE 1997 SYNOD OF THE
Additionally, the cost of the present program continues to increase at such a rat
that some are finding it prohibitive. Consequently, the Board is still looking at
alternative programs. One interesting possibility is a partially self-funded insurance
program offered by Allianz in conjunction with Professional Risk Management, Inc.
This program has been under study by Geneva College and Donald McBurney, a
member of the Board and Director of Human Resource Management at Geneva
College, reports that Geneva switched to a partially self-insured plan on May 1,
1997, for several reasons:
• Ability to "write our own" plan regarding what procedures are covered and
not covered - support pro-life position, hearing aid coverage, coverage for
disposable contacts
• Ability to accumulate unspent claim dollars in an interest bearing account to
mitigate future medical cost increases and/or increase medical benefits
• Demonstrate increased trust in the employee's decision about medical care
• Ability to pay charges for medical care based on a "common sense"
approach
• Freedom of choice in providers with nationwide coverage
• Increased and speedier payment to providers and reimbursement to
employees
• Increased convenience for employees
"The rates for Geneva's partially self-insured plan were very competitive with
what we were paying for our previous Managed Health Care plan and significantly
lower that what Synod is currently paying for medical coverage. Geneva's rates for
medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage under the new plan are listed
below:
Single $164.56 per month $1,974.72 per year
Single Parent $334.34 per month
$4,012.08 per year
Husband/Wife$367.31 per month
$4,407.72 per year
Family $380.85 per month $4,566.48 per year"
The above compares favorably with the present rates under Blue Cross/Blue
Shield as listed below:
Single $196.97 per month $2,363.64 per year
Couple $476.10 per month $5,713.20 per year
Family $526.85 per month $6,322.20 per year
It should be noted that the Blue Cross/Blue Sheild coverage does not include
dental and vision coverage. The new coverage, therefore, would provide coverage
in these areas at less cost. While the first set of costs only apply to Geneva's new
program, it is expected that the costs would be much the same for the RPCNA. It
should also be noted that it is likely that Blue Cross/Blue Shield will be increasing
their rates for 1997-1998.