Washington Counties Insurance Fund

The meeting commenced with an executive session where no decisions were made. The agenda for March 5, 2025, was unanimously approved. Key discussions included an update on the 2025 Trustee Manual and the Executive Director's plan to review and revise the Trust Agreement and Bylaws, potentially forming a committee for assistance. An update was provided on the Personnel Policy revision process and the SAO investigation, with Anthony Matagi's trial scheduled for May 12. The 2024 experience review covered Premera, Kaiser (which ended over budget at 103.3%), Delta Dental (resulting in a surplus before runout claims), Willamette Dental (which recommended an 8.9% premium increase), and VSP. The phasing out of the Premera Prime network by December 31, 2026, was also discussed. The marketing update highlighted significant enrollment growth in 2025 for Premera, Kaiser, and VSP, despite losses in Delta Dental and Willamette Dental, resulting in a net gain of 421 new members. The Benefits & Wellness update covered the upcoming 2025 Benefits Summit, 'Care-nival,' and the transition to Sonic Boom for wellness services, noting that 81 groups are eligible for the wellness program. Finally, the 2023 and 2024 year-end financial statements were reviewed, noting a slight decrease in net position and ongoing reconciliation issues with B&O tax reporting.

The meeting agenda focused on reviewing the 2025 preliminaries and renewals for various benefits providers. Key discussions included the 2025 Delta Dental recap, which involved a final rate action of +3.14% and a reduction in the initial financial call due to loss of Kitsap County coverage, with no benefit changes proposed. Delta Dental also presented potential Plan Menu Enhancements. For Willamette Dental, the 2025 recap showed an 8.9% final rate action for Actives and a rate pass for Retirees, with no benefit changes. VSP secured a 24-month rate guarantee with overall rate reductions and benefit enhancements. The Standard reviewed its rate pass-through, including new annual open enrollment provisions for Voluntary Life coverage increases. The Employee Assistance Plan confirmed a three-year rate guarantee with no benefit changes. Updates on Benistar pricing transitions were provided, as were rate pass updates for Metlife Worksite Benefits. Regulatory updates covered proposed U.S. Government Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) limits for ACA and IRS requirements, including Out-of-Pocket Maximums and Deductibles, and Washington State Mandate Clarifications regarding Hearing Aids and Pharmacy Changes (WA SB 5213). Kaiser and Premera provided preliminary 2026 renewal updates, noting rate increases and the addition of new plans to their benefit menus.