Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board authorize the Director of Human Resources or Assistant Director of Human Resources to execute the updated operational MOU with PRISMHealth on behalf of the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: N/A
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On February 15, 2011, with Legistar file 11-0121, the Board entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with CSAC-EIA (EIA) to join the CSAC-EIA Health program (EIA Health). In 2020, EIA changed its name to PRISM. PRISM is a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) comprised of California counties, cities, and public agencies organized to jointly develop and fund insurance and related programs with the most favorable terms and costs. As a member of this organization, the County has controlled costs of the health plans offered through PRISM Health.
On August 29, 2023, with Legistar file 23-1481, the Board authorized the Human Resources Director to execute an updated PRISMHealth Program MOU which better represented the Health Program structure and requirements of participation, on behalf of the County of El Dorado.
On March 26, 2026, the PRISMHealth Committee approved amendments to the PRISMHealth Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Distribution of the amended MOU to participating agencies was intentionally delayed until the recently adopted amendments to the PRISM Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) became effective on June 30, 2026, as the PRISMHealth MOU references and operates in conjunction with the JPA. The amended MOU updates and modernizes the MOU to reflect the Program’s transition to an independently administered self-funded health model and aligns the governing document with current operational practices. Most revisions clarify existing governance, administrative practices, and operational procedures rather than introduce new responsibilities for participating agencies. In addition, the updated funding provisions expressly authorize supplemental assessments in circumstances where Program resources do not fully cover anticipated liabilities, reinforcing prudent fiscal management consistent with self-funded JPA practices. The County last executed this MOU in 2023.
In order to continue the County’s participation in PRISMHealth, Human Resources recommends the Board approve and authorize the Human Resources Director to execute the PRISMHealth MOU on behalf of the County of El Dorado. Should the County wish to continue our participation in the PRISMHealth Program, we must submit an executed MOU no later than October 31, 2026.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to decline to enter into the updated operational MOU with PRISMHealth, and direct staff to search for an alternate insurance provider. However, in order to maintain continuity of the benefit plan coverage and meet vendor renewal deadlines for the 2027 plan year, there is no recommended alternative.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
02/15/2011 Legistar file 11-0121: County joined CSAC-EIA Health program (now PRISMHealth)
08/29/2023 Legistar file 23-1481: Board authorized HR Director to execute an updated PRISMHealth Program MOU.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
N/A
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Focus on Employee Development & Well- Being
Action Item: Continue to implement wellness initiatives and activities for El Dorado County employees
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources