North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System

The board meeting covers several key topics including a presentation on the 2025 Medicare Part D annual report, an RFP for investment consultant services, and reviews of 457(b) and 401(a) retirement plans. Group insurance items feature an update on the health insurance plan RFP, a 2025 health insurance claims review, and updates from Sanford Health Plan. Operational and administrative agenda items include an audit committee report, appointment of an audit committee member, budget considerations, and board self-evaluation. Additionally, the board will conduct an executive session to address an insurance benefit appeal case.

The committee reviewed internal audit reports, including the quarterly audit plan status, the 2025 risk assessment, and the Audit Plan for fiscal years 2026-2028, which will transition to a fiscal year cycle. Members evaluated the accuracy of retirement benefit payments and refunds, as well as the status of outstanding issues. The administrative segment included a review of the Audit Committee Charter and Internal Audit Charter matrices, the Chief Audit Officer's annual performance review process, a report on consultant fees, confirmation of no out-of-state travel expenditures for the Executive Director or Board, and a review of professional training and continuing education participation.

The board discussed the results of a special election to fill an active member vacancy. Presentations included the About the Patient Collaborative Diabetes Drug Therapy Program Annual Report, which highlighted improvements in key health metrics. The board deliberated on the Health Insurance Plan Request for Proposal, specifically its scope and selection criteria, and received reports on the Medicare Part D performance and a new claim editing process. Additionally, the board planned the Executive Director Performance Review, decided to fill a vacant audit committee position with an external member, and reviewed a report on recent contracts under $15,000.

The board discussed and took action on several items including the approval of updated investment policy statements for retirement and insurance plans. Presentations were provided on the Retiree Health Insurance Credit program, the 4th quarter 2025 performance reports for deferred compensation and defined contribution plans, and an overview of the 2026 member experience survey for the health plan. The board approved the renewal proposal for the dental insurance plan and finalized the staff review team and evaluation process for the health insurance plan request for proposal. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved five legislative bill drafts for submission to the Employee Benefit Programs Committee. Administrative updates included an audit committee report, a demonstration of the online board election process, planning for National Employee Benefits Day, and upcoming changes to board material formatting to ensure ADA compliance.

The agenda includes conflict of interest disclosures, a presentation of the Sanford Health Plan executive summary, and group insurance discussions regarding Medicare Part D premiums and the approval of a Health Insurance Plan Request for Proposal. Operations and administrative items cover updates on ADA compliance, quarterly consultant fees, budget approvals, board member travel requests, committee assignments, contracts under $15,000, and the Executive Director's review and salary recommendation. Additionally, the board will convene in executive session to address an insurance benefit appeal case.