Christopher Novell

The board discussed the election of new officers, including a Chair and Vice Chair, and appointed a representative for the Modernization Committee. The meeting featured presentations regarding proposed changes to the out-of-network reimbursement methodology for the Standard Dental Plan, focusing on alignment with Delta Dental fee structures, cost control, and network access incentives. Additionally, the board reviewed updates on various RFPs for benefit programs, including Pharmacy Benefit Manager and Oncology Support, and deliberated on prioritization for modernization topics such as member access, dependent coverage, and behavioral health support.

The committee meeting focused on modernization topics and priorities for the AlaskaCare Retiree Health Plan. Key discussion items include division updates on several ongoing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), specifically covering pharmacy benefit management, oncology support, voluntary supplemental benefits, and political subdivision group health insurance. Furthermore, the committee reviewed the current RHPAB modernization list and addressed a letter from the RPEA regarding plan topics, which are categorized into active, pended, and completed initiatives.

The meeting included introductory business where new board members were welcomed. Key discussions centered on updates from the Department of Administration and Division of Retirement & Benefits, including extensions of temporary telemedicine coverage and flu shot coverage due to COVID-19, and future planning for COVID-19 vaccines. Updates were provided on the transition to automate IRMAA reimbursement via OptumRx starting in 2021. The Board reviewed updates regarding potential new benefits, such as a second opinion service for surgeries and the exploration of a Medicare Advantage Option via an RFI. Significant time was dedicated to Plan Year 2021 Open Enrollment for the Dental, Vision and Audio (DVA) plan, including proposed regulation changes concerning coverage adjustments, dependent eligibility, and handling dual coverage. The Board also reviewed and advised on premium rates for Plan Year 2021 for the Medical, DVA, and Long Term Care (LTC) plans, ultimately voting to adopt staff recommendations: a 5% premium reduction for paying medical plan members, no change for DVA rates, and no change for LTC rates. A clinical overview of COVID-19 vaccines and treatments was also presented.

The meeting agenda included a call to order, roll call, ethics disclosure, and public comment sessions. Key discussion topics for the department update centered on 2024 key activities and the Inflation Reduction Act concerning Medicare Part D changes. Modernization topics covered expansion of the Pacific Health Coalition for health fairs and primary care access, review of rehabilitative care including acupuncture, discussion of the Standard DVA Plan, behavioral health offerings, lifestyle and wellness programs, and enhancement of travel benefits. Discussions also included the status of the plan booklet update and adopted regulations. Regarding modernization priorities, the Board received updates on various proposals, noting high priorities such as Out-of-Network Reimbursement methodology change (R005), expansion of rehabilitative care like acupuncture (R009C), and chronic disease management. There was significant discussion regarding the DVA plan, specifically concerning vision, dental annual maximum, and audio benefits, as well as behavioral health provider access for Medicare recipients. The Division committed to preparing proposals for the top four prioritized items for the next subcommittee meeting.

The discussions focused primarily on the Retiree Dental, Vision and Audio (DVA) plan, specifically addressing the litigation resulting from 2014 changes and the implementation of the Superior Court's directive to offer members a choice between the 2013 Legacy Dental Plan and the current Standard Dental Plan, commencing January 1, 2020. Key topics included the procurement of a new Third Party Administrator (Delta Dental of Alaska), the operational tasks required to stand up the Legacy plan, and the extensive communication plan intended for retirees leading up to the open enrollment period, which was moved to start on October 16, 2019. There were detailed reviews and Q&A sessions regarding the benefit comparison table, premium setting methodology for 2020, network differences (PPO vs. Premier), recognized charge calculations for out-of-network care, and coverage classification for specific services like inlays and crowns. The meeting also featured a demonstration of the new online open enrollment portal and a review of the financial status of the DVA plan trust.