Transition continues for hospital district
Health insurance, policies approved by district board
Staff reporter
In a special meeting Tuesday, Marion County Hospital District #1 board of directors approved an employee health plan.
With the anticipated transition to occur in the coming months, another health insurance carrier had to be selected. Kevin Cronkleton, facility chief financial officer, presented the information to the board.
The board approved the recommended proposal from Blue Cross/Blue Shield with the same percentage of payment and coverage to include dental and prescriptions. The additional cost will be $10,000 per month to change from the current coverage under Banner Health Systems.
Seventy-seven employees are covered by health insurance benefits with an additional estimated cost of $50 to $66 per month for the employee.
Sharon Zogelman, personnel officer, said an employee survey recently was conducted with employees preferring Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage. Of those surveyed, 67 percent wanted to continue dental plan.
The board discussed 401k options, long term disability, and other insurance issues. No other decisions regarding insurance were made.
Board members also approved maintaining the same policy regarding paid time off for employees for sick days, seven holidays, and vacation time. Seniority also will be carried over.
Banner is willing to continue to pay employees 100 percent of their paid time off at termination of employment with reimbursement by the hospital district.
During the last transition, some employees with longevity lost some paid time off and are concerned it might happen again, Cronkleton said.
In other business, the board:
— Approved a bid of $53,436 from DEN Air Conditioning for air conditioning repairs and replacement of the chiller and pumps.
— Authorized Baird, Kurtz, Dobson to oversee the auditing for one year.
— Approved cleaning of carpet in clinic waiting room.
— Reviewed propossal from CPSI, computer consultants, related to the transition. Software needs to be purchased and installed at a cost of $3,000.
A bid for outsourcing statements at a cost of 47 cents per item has been received. Cronkleton recommended the board use the service saying it will cut down use and cost of a postage meter.
— Was advised an official bank will need to be named. More than one bank can be used for various banking needs but one bank has to be the "official" bank.
— Was told the state conducted a survey this past week at St. Luke Living Center. Doug Newman, chief executive officer, reported it turned out well except a concern in the kitchen regarding a wooden preparation table. The top of the table needs to be replaced within six months with a laminent or stainless steel.
— Approved a check to City Capital for $8,283 for CPSI lease.
The board recessed into a 30-minute executive session with transition attorney Scott Palecki of Foulston Siefkin law firm to discuss the status report and feedback regarding negotiations of the termination agreement with Banner.
Fund-raising options also were discussed.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
