Benefits Committee

Meeting Minutes: May 12, 2009

Faculty and Staff Benefits Office
Bldg. 7, Woodrail Centre

Chairman Hahn called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.

Those present included: Jack Batterson, Roger Heath, Lisa Wimmenauer, June DeWeese, Toni Monsen, Jatha Sadowski, Marj Leavene and Mike Paden.

Hahn announced that this would be the last meeting of the academic year unless there was a need for a special meeting.

Mike Paden reported that it appeared that current HR measures being considered in the Missouri legislature would not pass during this session. Those measures include the bills on autism, prescription management and health care management that could include combining MU insurance with the State of Missouri.

At the request of the Board of Curators, an all day meeting to discuss benefits has been scheduled for later this summer. The agenda has been expanded to include direct and indirect benefits. Two of the main concerns involve moving from a defined benefit plan to a defined contribution plan and health care for retirees. Mike reported that most universities have gone to a defined contribution plan. Some universities offer a combination of the two plans. The Board is looking at options at this point. No changes have been suggested. In the event changes would occur, it would likely affect new employees only.

Hahn distributed copies of the letter Gordon Christensen, a University physician and member of this committee, composed on behalf of the committee at Hahn's request regarding The Health Connection facility (THC); and the response from Dr. Hal Williamson, Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs. Dr. Williamson did not deny the benefits or usefulness of THC. The issue seems to be one of finances. A committee composed of THC members is scheduled to meet with Dr. Richard Oliver, Dean of the School of Health Professions later this day. There are other possible partnerships also under consideration. Dr. Oliver is to make a decision by Friday, May 15. Hahn will keep the committee informed of the outcome of these deliberations.

(On Monday morning, May 18, Dr. Oliver announced to the Health Connection members assembled, that he was recommending keeping the facility open and taking the counsel of the Committee recommendations.)

Hahn polled members about the frequency and timing for next year's meetings. The current committee agreed that 6-week intervals seemed to be working fine, especially if the option to call a special meeting was a viable one. It appears that meetings will continue on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Jatha Sadowski reported that she has budget meetings that may interfere with that time frame and has asked Bonnie Gregg from her office to cover for her on those occasions.

Mike Paden reported that it was too early to estimate future benefit contributions. The next evaluation will occur in October for July 2010.

The meeting adjourned at ll:05 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie Leavene