Benefits Committee
Meeting Minutes: February 19, 2008
Faculty and Staff Benefits Office
Bldg. 7, Woodrail Center
Al Hahn called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m.
Those present included June DeWeese, Jere Gilles, Jatha Sadowski, Patsy Higgins, Jack Batterson, David Mehr, John Bauman, Barbara Savio, Marj Leavene and Mike Paden.
Blake Danuser, newly named Interim Vice President for Human Resources, joined the group for the beginning of the meeting. Danuser reported that the Human Resource Council, newly appointed in February 2008, is scheduled to meet with President Gary Forsee on Thursday, February 21. They will discuss pension issues including the possibility of a cost of living raise for retirees. Danueser further reported that he no longer hears comments from curators regarding cuts to the current pension program. At the time the subject was discussed, many industries were changing their pension programs and the university wanted to compare its program with industry trends. Curators’ current emphasis seems to be in the area of support for training, i.e., sexual harassment issues.
Minutes of the January 22, 2008, meeting were approved with the correction to include Al Hahn, Jatha Sadowski, and Patsy Higgins to the list of member present at that meeting.
Al Hahn reported that the selection of the annual Faculty & Staff awards was no longer the responsibility of the Retiree, Health and Other Benefits Advisory Committee. Nominations will be forwarded to the MURA (MU Retirees Association) Board for selection.
Jack Batterson circulated a composite of web information that compared MU with other institutions of higher education. Hahn thanked Batterson for continuing to supply web site information for the committee.
Mike Paden reported that nothing has changed regarding health benefits since our last meeting. The University is experiencing a good transition to Coventry. United Health Care is finishing up claims for the 2007 calendar year. Consideration is being given for a cost of living increase of 1.8 to 3.8% with the majority of retirees receiving 3.6% for the 2008-09 budget year. This increase would result in roughly a $2.2694M liability for the pension program. The increase will be discussed at the April Board of Curators meeting.
David Mehr asked for clarification on insurance payments for the shingles vaccine. According to Medicare, the shot is considered a medical expense and falls under Part D. The drug must be administered within 30 minutes of receipt and is creating confusion for doctors and patients alike. Al Hahn and Mike Paden will investigate and prepare a draft statement for MURA.
MURA Executive Board members are scheduling a meeting with President Forsee. Al Hahn encouraged all MU employees and retirees over the age of 50 to join MURA. Membership fee is $7.50/year of $75 for a lifetime membership. Information about the organization can be found at their website: http://mura.missouri.edu/.
The next committee meeting is scheduled for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 18, at the Woodrail Center.
The meeting adjourned at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfuly submitted,
Marj Leavene
