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Director Sexton explained how the City of Vero Beach met their bid requirement, and went through the process. Commissioner O'Bryan wanted to see comparisons between the companies. He felt that with Dr. Sadow's program, we would have existing coverage in the south, central and north counties; and that the County workers residing in Sebastian, Palm Bay, or North St. Lucie would have quick access. He said he would like Dr. Sadow, when he returns to the Board in April, to address the following: (1) how much time it would take to provide comparative coverage; (2) specifics of the Joint Commission Accreditation; and (3) and the meaning of "our patient" when relating it to the patient needing more care. At Vice Chairman Flescher's request, Director Sexton gave a brief overview of the Employee Health Center program, and emphasized it as a "win-win" situation for the County, employees, and taxpayers. He considered this to be a situation where the County could be responsible to the taxpayers by reducing health insurance costs. He said the employees, dependents, and retirees would have an Employee Health Center where they could visit a doctor (not a nurse), and get their treatments and prescription drugs, all at zero co -pay. Director Sexton emphasized that the program would be optional, and not a replacement to the National Network of Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He pointed out that Blue Cross/Blue Shield recognizes the model that staff has been looking at, and that it would reduce the County's administrative fees by $4.50 per head, totaling $80,00 to $90,000 per year. Commissioner Solari said the decision has two parameters: quality of care and cost; and the better that the Commission understands that, prior to the decision, the better the results. NO ACTION REQUIRED OR TAKEN 13 March 10, 2009