03/08/2004 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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We both agreed, however, that this could and perhaps should change over the next several years. Ted Kravec, in fact, has already been pushing the idea with Wichert and because of his creativity and aggressiveness, and his client rapport as well as his high standing with the insurance carriers, Ted would probably be the main catalyist driving any future cooperatives in benefit coverage. I finally was able to speak with Ted Kravec (he tried to call me and had to go out of town again due to a death in his family), We talked about the current state of the healthcare industry and we shared ideas for the future. He believes that although there are no "consortiums" at this time, the future might provide for some creative options. There are pros and cons of coopting with other communities: obviously great differences in employee contracts but also varying usage rates between communities (even between users within the same community). ted did mention that when reach 600 people as a group you become 100% acurate as far as across the board coverage. I am not sure what this means exactly. Both Ted and Jay Hutchison from Wichert felt that whatever decision we come to will not affect this year or even next year. However the long-term benefit may lay with Wichert for two reasons: First, Wichert and their five subsidiaries do in fact work with a multitude of villages, townships and municipalities. I spoke with the former treasurer of Medina Schools and current finance director of Medina, glowing reports re Lance/Wichert personal service and professional competency. Fairfield County is also one of their a long-term customers; second and highly significant is the fact that Ted began his career in the Insurance industry by working for Boston Mutual as well as Community Mutual which became Anthem. Some of us were already made aware that Ted knows Larry and Jim Hopkins, in fact, we were told that Ted used to work with Larry. I asumed that this meant that they worked together in an office, or that ted worked "for" Larry. I come to find out, ?g however, that both Jim and Larry worked with Ted because he was the Anthem Rep! He has maintained ties and relationships with several of the large insurance companies and he is thought of highly - great reputation. I wouldn't draw and negative conclusions from this. He strictly works for the best interests of his clients but is privy to many developments inside the indutry. This Wednesday past, March 3`d, I returned to several departments (Fire, Police & Service) as I said that I would. I didn't meet with any large groups, only a few employees who I asked to relay the following information to. I told them that I did not know who Council would select but that it would be our best effort and that it would be behind closed doors for the sake of the candidates. I told them some of the responses I got regarding Ted Kravec and Wichert Insurance Services group. I thanked them for their time and energy and participating in the decision process. They were all really appreciative that we came to them with a matter that affects them in such a huge way. The people I spoke to said that the supported whatever conclusion Council comes to, and, once agin, thought that the whole thing was handled honorably and sincerely. . I would like to move forward on Monday night and I recommend Ted Kravec on the basis of everything I have learned. Ted and Larry are both excellent choices and assured Donna that either one would go for an extension with Anthem until we decide on a specific Carrier and Plan. cc Phil Brett Joe Diemert , ?