Health Care Cost Study Services

The Vendor is required to provide health care cost study services for include:
• Through benchmarking and competitive market analysis:
o Assess current health care plan offerings relative to plan types and utilization rates to ensure they remain competitive with peer communities.
o Assess plan design options and cost sharing structures while balancing fiscal responsibilities and long-term financial obligations.
o Assess impacts on competitive position relative to recruitment, retention and collective bargaining efforts.
o Assess wellness program plan designs, costs, and impacts on employee population and resultant experience rating improvements
• Develop options for consideration related to:
o Optimum plan design to meet employee and retiree needs.
o Potential additional levels of cost sharing.
o Potential new approaches to support employee costs; i.e. Deductibles and out of pocket maximums, increases in FSA/HSA contributions, permanent health care stipends vs % increases.
• Assess short term and long term financial implications:
o Budget impacts and funding.
o Tax implications of any particular support structure.
o Review of any change on reimbursement structure for impact on OPEB.
• Engage with stakeholder groups at key milestones through liaisons to incorporate feedback and ensure alignment.
• Collaborate with the task force to recommend communications and implementation strategies.