Title
Human Resources Department recommending the Board authorize the Director of Human Resources or Assistant Director of Human Resources to execute a Vision Plan agreement with PRISM Health on behalf of the County of El Dorado.
FUNDING: Countywide cost, shared between the County Departments (General Fund and Non-General Fund) and employees.
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 PRISM Health Program MOU which better represented the Health Program structure and requirements of participation, on behalf of the County of El Dorado.
This year, PRISM Health’s “Employee Benefits Committee” approved the reclassification of the PRISM Vision Program to a major program. As a result, all agencies participating in the PRISM Vision Program will now be required to execute the Vision Program Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to confirm and continue participation in the PRISM Vision Program. While the County is not currently a member of the pooled segment of the PRISM Vision Program, our participation continues to contribute to the purchasing power of PRISM, which in turn enables all PRISM members, including self-funded participants like the County, to benefit from reduced administrative fees and enhanced carrier relationships.
Should the County wish to continue our participation in the PRISM Vision Program, we must submit an executed MOU no later than August 15, 2025.
ALTERNATIVES
The Board could choose to decline to enter into an MOU with PRISM Health for the Vision Plan, and direct staff to search for an alternate vision plan. However, in order to maintain continuity of the vision benefit plan coverage and meet vendor renewal deadlines for the 2026 plan year, there is no recommended alternative.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
02/15/2011 Legistar file 11-0121: County joined CSAC-EIA Health program (now PRISM Health)
08/29/2023 Legistar file 23-1481: Board authorized HR Director to execute an updated PRISM Health Program MOU.
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
CAO RECOMMENDATION / COMMENTS
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact of adopting the PRISM Health Vision Plan MOU. This action is separate from the process for updating and adopting rates and administration fees.
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