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Chairman Adams questioned whether the local agents were <br />satisfied with the arrangements and believed them to be in the best <br />interests of the County. <br />Mackie Branham of O'Neil, Lee and West said that he has been <br />developing discount networks in the Treasure Coast area for several <br />years and has been involved with Acordia. He is aware of the <br />discount arrangements and co -payment plans and how they compare to <br />Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He felt the bid which has been presented <br />to the Board is a good one. Mr. Branham stated that he drove down <br />from Orlando and picked up the bid packet late in the day and staff <br />waited for him. <br />Ron McCall of the McCall Agency told the Board that he feels <br />their role is to serve the County and to take care of the <br />employees. He is happy to work with County staff and with Mr. <br />Branham's agency. He feels this is a win-win situation for the <br />County and the 2 agencies involved. <br />Commissioner Eggert said that she had no problem with this <br />plan but would like to be sure that the is are dotted and the is <br />are crossed. She wanted to be sure that the employees won't get <br />the hassling and would be taken care of by the local agent. She <br />also wanted assurance that Blue Cross/Blue Shield's chief doctor is <br />not arbitrary in his decisions whether to continue insurance <br />coverage as the current one has continued to be. She felt these <br />things could be worked out. <br />Director Baker felt the County will have much more control <br />with this plan. <br />Chairman Adams questioned whether there is a 30 day <br />cancellation clause in this agreement, and Mr. McBurney and Mr. <br />Collins both responded in the affirmative. <br />Bill Tripp, speaking as a representative of the Indian River <br />County Firefighters, questioned whether the benefits will be <br />similar and whether any additional costs will be passed on to <br />employees. <br />County Administrator Chandler stated that the only cost which <br />his recommendation looked at for increased cost was the dependent <br />coverage for which employees are now paying $12.50 per month. That <br />premium cost is examined on a regular basis and his recommendation <br />has been and continues to be that should dependent cost increase, <br />then the contribution coming from the employees for dependent <br />coverage should increase. For this coming year dependent coverage <br />is $377 monthly which is still less than the County was paying 3 <br />years ago. <br />JULY 169 1996 33 BOOK. u-, 563 <br />