Specifications include, but are not limited to: A. Health and Dental Benefits 1. Planning Meetings: Meetings conducted each year to review the current state of the health and welfare benefit programs and to determine objectives for the upcoming year. The consultant may be working directly with Finance, Human Resources, County and School Executives, Board members, and others as deemed necessary. 2. Annual Renewal Services: For health and welfare plans, and specific stop loss contracts, the Consultant will evaluate proposed renewal actions of all carriers and negotiate on behalf of the County and the Schools using internal projection analyses to obtain the most favorable terms. Consultant will also analyze the medical plans by rate tier and recommend alternative contribution approaches. 3. Plan Design/Funding: Annually, Consultant will present alternative plan considerations and associated costs based on the identified objectives. Additionally, any alternative funding or cash flow arrangements that may benefit the County and the Schools will be evaluated and reported. 4. Miscellaneous Consulting Assistance: Consultant will have periodic communications and on-site meetings relative to the programs to encourage and maintain awareness level of all parties. Additional services may include: a. Evaluate and review existing plans b. Review contracts to evaluate liability exposure of the County and MCPS c. Work with the plan administrator to ensure the continued provision of high quality benefit plan designs and efficient administration of the programs d. Review and analyze funding statements, and claims if requested e. Assist in the development and preparation of solicitation specifications for health and welfare plans and stop loss contracts as necessary f. Provide assistance to the County and MCPS in the RFP process by: • Preparing meeting requirements • Meeting County and MCPS staff and attending pre-solicitation conferences • Offer presentations/negotiations • Analyzing bids/quotes/proposals • Developing recommendations on the best bid/quote/proposal provided Page 6 of 13 • Prepare detailed summation of the RFP process used to document the procurement file g. Assist County and/or MCPS staff in finalizing/refining administrative details for risk management and employee optional benefits h. Prepare cost/benefit analyses for County and MCPS review i. Provide recommendations for the most adequate and cost effective programs j. Produce periodic and ad hoc reports for benefit plans as required k. Assist in coordination of plan implementation and employee education regarding benefit programs l. Update the County and the Schools on legal and regulatory issues affecting benefit programs m. Review and analyze the impact of tax and legislative/regulatory changes on benefit plans n. Advise and recommend changes based on impact of regulations and significant benefit market trends o. Assess the competitiveness of health and welfare plans (to include public sector) p. Analyze benefit plans effectiveness in supporting the total compensation strategy and recommend changes to meet strategy q. Provide ongoing monitoring, evaluation and review of benefit programs throughout the year and provide recommendations as necessary q. Present and/or attend Board meetings for benefit programs r. Represent County and MCPS, and mediate with Third Party Administration (TPA) or vendors regarding performance issues, resolution of claims issues. s. Ensures compliance of Third Party Administration or other contract issues.
