Sponsor: Human Resources
Title
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Agreement with Vision Service Plan Insurance Company for Employee Voluntary Vision Insurance
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the agreement with Vision Service Plan Insurance Company, 3333 Quality Drive, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670, for employee voluntary vision insurance for the period of September 6, 2023 to December 31, 2026 and may be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.
2. Authorize the Chair and Chief Clerk to execute the agreement.
3. Authorize the County Manager to enter into agreement and execute amendments to the agreement in accordance with the county’s procurement policies and procedures provided the amounts are within the limits of available funding.
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Background and Rationale
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A voluntary vision care plan provides care from a network of vision care professionals comprised of optometrists, opticians, and refractive surgeons and provides discounts on products and services including, but not limited to eyeglass examinations; contact lens examinations; frames; lenses; contact lenses; and replacement contact lenses. Ramsey County has never provided a voluntary vision care plan to its employees. At the recommendation of the Joint Labor Management Insurance Committee, Human Resources issued a solicitation for a voluntary group vision plan for employees and their eligible dependents with the following goals:
• Provide a network of vision care professionals that are geographical accessible.
• Demonstrate excellent customer services and claims processing.
• Minimize the time and expense to the county for administration of the plan.
• Demonstrate excellent account and program management capabilities.
• Ability to provide vision insurance benefits at a competitive cost.
• Provide a plan with discounts on products and services including, but not limited to eyeglass examinations, contact lens examinations, frames, lenses, contact lenses, and replacement contact lenses.
Ramsey County will administer the plan but will not contribute to the monthly premium cost. The cost of the monthly premium will be paid entirely by employees who elect to enroll. The group vision insurance plan will be available to approximately 3,800 eligible employees and their dependents.
Below is a competitive solicitation summary:
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Request for Proposals (RFP) |
Vision Insurance |
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RFP Release Date |
December 14, 2022 |
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RFP Response Date |
December 28, 2022 |
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Contractors Notified |
210 |
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Respondents |
EyeMed, Vision Service Plan Insurance Company, MetLife, Humana |
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Proposal Evaluation Committee |
Benefits Manager, Benefits Supervisor, Labor Relations Specialist, Sr. Business Analyst, Director of Policy & Planning, Deputy Director of Finance, Deloitte Consulting |
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RFP Evaluation Criteria |
Background, Plan Administration, Implementation, Cost and Presentation |
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Contractor Recommended |
Vision Service Plan Insurance Company |
Vision Service Plan Insurance Company (VSP) was selected by the evaluation committee for the lowest rates, 65+ years of experience in the market and broad local network which includes retail providers Sam’s Club, Costco, Walmart and Pearle Vision. VSP demonstrated a shared priority for community diversity, equity and inclusion through the establishment of local programs that help communities thrive.
Based on the evaluation committee’s selection, which included Deloitte Consulting, Human Resources recommends VSP proposal for their Advantage Plan (see attached or below) with four enrollment tiers (Single, Employee + Spouse, Employee + Child(ren), Family).
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Advantage Plan |
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Exam Frequency |
Once per year |
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Exam Copay |
$0.00 |
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Frame Frequency |
Once every other year |
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Frame Allowance |
Featured brands covered at $225, $175 otherwise |
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Lens Frequency |
Once every plan year |
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Single Vision Lenses |
$25.00 |
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Bifocal Lenses |
$25.00 |
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Trifocal Lenses |
$25.00 |
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Progressive Lenses |
$25.00 |
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Lenticular Lenses |
$25.00 |
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Polycarbonate for children |
Yes |
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Contact Lens allowance |
$175 |
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Lasik or PRK |
15-20% off retail price or 5% off promotional price |
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Hearing Aid Discounts |
N/A |
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Diabetic Eye Care |
N/A |
Total Monthly Premium 2024 - 100% employee paid
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Single |
$5.94 |
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Employee + Spouse |
$11.70 |
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Employee + Child(ren) |
$12.50 |
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Family |
$20.00 |
The same total monthly premium is guaranteed for all five years of the contract.
The Joint Labor Management Health Insurance Committee agreed to offer the voluntary vision plan offered by VSP.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☐ Well-being ☐ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Once approved, this action will further the county’s efforts at providing a sustainable, long-term benefits strategy that recognizes cultural differences and supports employee well-being. The county’s employee workforce currently reflects a population where 40% are identified as racially and ethnically diverse. Diversity continues as a critical component of a comprehensive and well-balanced benefits program.
Community Participation Level and Impact
This action is strictly operational and internal facing. The residents of Ramsey County do not participate in the evaluation of or decisions regarding the county’s employee benefits program.
☒ Inform ☐ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to the county.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Professional Services Agreement with Vision Service Plan Insurance Company