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to its retirees as an option rather than carrying the full insurance benefit. He thereafter invited <br />Gregg Kunemund from Blue Cross to provide more detailed information on the Plan. <br />Gregg Kunemund, Product Manager of Blue Cross Blue Shield for Medicare <br />Replacement Plans, informed the Board of the proposed Plans and benefits. He explained how <br />the Plans are subsidized by the government to lower premium and give enhanced benefits to the <br />retirees. He also highlighted the benefits, which are PPO plans that give access to in and out of <br />network providers in the State, as well as, Medicare providers in the Country. <br />Vice Chairman Davis inquired about the criteria to be met by individuals. Mr. <br />Kunemund explained the criteria according to the Medicare guidelines, in which retirees must <br />be a part of the group plan and be eligible for Part A. <br />Administrator Baird provided further details regarding the eligibility of employees <br />and retirees, as well as a subsidy received from the State. He also talked about post -employment <br />benefits and thought we could have a huge financial problem if we do not change our benefits. <br />Director Sexton explained the options of employees to stay on the plan they <br />currently have or to go on the Medicare Plan. Through a Blue Medicare Cost Comparison chart <br />he explained the costs relative to County employees. <br />Mr. Kunemund responded to Chairman Bowden's question of whether there was <br />any downside. <br />Administrator Baird explained to Vice Chairman Davis why he thought we should <br />offer this insurance plan. <br />Finance Director Diane Bernardo discussed the liability and funding requirements <br />of other counties, and could not say what our numbers/contributions would be because we would <br />21 <br />March 18, 2008 <br />