President, William Abernathie
Chief of Labor Relations, M. Eagleson
Senior Field Representative, Nancy Tate
Senior Field Representative, Mary Blanco

February 2010

CHIEF OF LABOR RELATIONS CORNER

Health Benefits

           One of my duties as the Chief of Labor Relations for SEBA is to sit on the County's Employee Benefit Advisory Committee (EBAC). EBAC is a labor management committee with the purpose of providing SEBA the opportunity during the decision making process to voice our opinions, concerns, and desires about benefits offered to County employees. This committee formulates recommendations to County management regarding benefit design, vendor selection, vendor monitoring and establishing goals to improve employee health. EBAC's function is to review and make recommendations to the Human Resources Director regarding employee benefit plans and programs.

           EBAC consists of fifteen (15) members. The composition of the committee is representatives from SEBA, SBPEA, Attorney's Association, Board of Retirement, Employee Benefits Division Chief, Employee Health and Productivity Manager, Human Resources Representatives, Auditor Controller's Office, CAO's Office, and Transactional Assistance.

           Recently, the committee conducted interviews over a two day period with six health care providers to determine who would be awarded a three year contract to provide health benefits beginning July 2010. The finalists were Health Net, Kaiser, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CIGNA and United Health Care. Presently the committee is determining which two providers will be awarded the contract. By the time this article is printed EBAC will have made their decision and we will know what the increase amount in our health benefits. I will provide that information in my March article.

           If you have any questions regarding this article call the SEBA office.

President, William Abernathie
Chief of Labor Relations, M. Eagleson
Senior Field Representative, Nancy Tate
Senior Field Representative, Mary Blanco