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than with others and had met numerous times as recently as yesterday with him. So, he had discussed the Guardian plan with Mr. Chalmers. Mr. Chalmers gave his estimates of the time he had spent with Director Baird and stated that he had deliberately not talked with any County Commissioner since the program was brought up in October. Chairman Tippin confessed to having no expertise in this area and had to rely on staff's recommendation. Administrator Chandler pointed out that on page 48 there is a differential on the benefit levels proposed by Direct Dental and Guardian Life Insurance. That was one of the things considered in the evaluation. The participation level (number of employees versus a percentage) and Guardian's requirement of 35% participation, versus 50 participants required by Direct Dental was also considered. Staff felt that Direct Dental provided a better benefit level. Direct Dental as a self-insured program gave some concerns as to liability to the County, but he understood, with the re -insurance and stop loss provided by them and incorporated in the rates, that the County is protected. Commissioner Ginn liked the idea that employees had a choice of dentists with Direct Dental. It is a voluntary plan, not something the employees are required to participate in. She stood by her motion. Dawn Whiteside, office manager for the "largest dental practice in Indian River County and possibly in the state", stated she had over 18 years experience in the dental field and handled insurance claims. She spends a lot of time trying to effect payment of patients' claims by insurance companies. She disputed Mr. Chalmer's claim that Guardian was "the premier dental program in the county". She stated that she had worked on patients' claims with Guardian for 5 years. In the beginning it was a great plan, but unfortunately they have forgotten who they are supposed to be serving. She explained that Guardian is a PPO program and, although they have multiple dentists in the area, she spends a lot of time each day trying to get claims paid. Employees do not understand why a company does not cover certain things. She made it clear that the insurance companies, not the dentist, dictate the treatment of the patient; what they will pay for is spelled out in the fine print of a policy. Director Baird stated that the ultimate financial responsibility of self-insurance is the Board of County Commissioners and it was a concern to staff. He pointed out that the Board of County Commissioners does have the ultimate responsibility even though the cost is being passed to the employees. He wanted the consultant to address this concern because he March 3,1998 28 I