Joint Peace Officers/County Benefits Committee Meeting - July 9, 2026

Agenda

1. 9:00 – 9:30 am
   Review of 2025 VSP Utilization
   Valerie Swyers, VSP
2. 9:30 – 10:30 am
   Review of 2025 Kaiser Utilization
   Tammy Rivas, Kaiser Permanente

Minutes

Attendance and Minutes

Voting Members Present: Ben Wiley, Steve Gaytan, Cynthia Kodachi and Billie Hurley
Consultant: Joe Bober, Mercer; Nicholas Huang, Mercer

Vendors: Valerie Swyers, VSP Vision; Tammy Rivas, Kaiser; Ky Thia, Kaiser; Mel Hall, Kaiser

2025 VSP Vision Utilization Review

Key Discussion Points

• VSP reviewed the 2025 vision plan utilization and confirmed stable enrollment with a modest increase in claims compared to 2024. 
• The average claim cost remained stable, indicating continued cost management through VSP's provider negotiations. 
• Utilization increased, which VSP views positively as more members are receiving preventive eye exams. 
• The current plan design continues to provide: 
  • $10 exam copay 
  • $175 frame/contact allowance 
  • Covered progressive lenses (standard) and premium/custom options with copays 
  • Essential Medical Eye Care benefits 
• The most commonly selected lens enhancements were: 
  • Anti-reflective coating 
  • UV protection 
  • High-index lenses 
• VSP highlighted the significant member savings generated through negotiated pricing for covered and non-covered lens options. 
• Eye exams continue to play an important role in identifying chronic health conditions, including: 
  • Hypertension  
  • High cholesterol 
  • Diabetes  
  • Emerging technologies may also assist in early detection of dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 
• Network utilization remained very strong with approximately 96% of members using in-network providers. 
• VSP discussed newer member resources including: 
  • Digital ID cards compatible with Apple Wallet and Google Wallet 
  • Online eyewear purchasing through Eyeconic 
  • Online cost calculator 
  • Vision awareness campaign materials available for employee communications. 
• Renewal options were presented that would increase the frame/contact allowance from $175 to either $185 or $225 for future consideration. 

2025 Kaiser Utilization Review

Key Discussion Points

• Kaiser reviewed overall utilization and preventive care metrics for the POA population. 
• Preventive screenings remain an area of focus, including: 
  • Mammograms  
  • Cervical cancer screenings 
  • Colorectal cancer screenings 
  • Childhood immunizations 
• Kaiser emphasized efforts to improve care gap closure and encourage members to complete recommended preventive care. 
• Mental health and substance use disorder outpatient utilization increased, which Kaiser noted as a positive indicator that members are accessing needed care rather than delaying treatment. 
• Emergency room utilization shifted, with changes in Kaiser versus non-Kaiser emergency department usage. 
• Kaiser discussed its Wellness Fair "Care Gap Clinic" model where medical assistants: 
  • Scheduled overdue preventive screenings 
  • Assisted members with changing primary care providers 
  • Scheduled diabetic eye exams 
  • Reset kp.org accounts 
  • Performed blood pressure screenings 
• Cynthia Kodachi noted that the Care Gap Clinic at the County Wellness Fair appeared successful and requested additional follow-up regarding participation numbers and clarification on several utilization metrics.

Action Items

• Kaiser
  • Provide follow-up information on participation in the Wellness Fair Care Gap Clinic. 

Mercer Medical Carrier Procurement Update

Key Discussion Points

Joe Bober provided an update on the ongoing medical carrier RFP process.

• Carriers invited: 
  • Aetna  
  • Moda  
  • Regence  
  • UnitedHealthcare (declined to participate) 
• Pharmacy Benefit Managers are also being evaluated. 
• Current preliminary findings: 
  • Aetna is currently the strongest financial proposal. 
  • Provider disruption appears relatively low (high-90% network overlap). 
  • Pharmacy formulary disruption analysis is still pending before any recommendation is made. 
• Committee members expressed concern about: 
  • Potential disruption to alternative care providers. 
  • Loss of access to preferred providers if a carrier change occurs. 
  • OHSU network participation under Regence. 
• Mercer emphasized that provider disruption and member experience remain major evaluation factors alongside cost and that no final recommendation has been made. 

Action Items

• Mercer
  • Complete pharmacy formulary disruption analysis. 
  • Continue evaluating alternative care provider access. 

Overall Meeting Outcomes

• VSP utilization remains stable with strong in-network usage and continued value delivered to members. 
• Kaiser continues to focus on preventive care and closing care gaps through member outreach and wellness initiatives. 
• The medical carrier procurement process is progressing, with additional analysis needed before a recommendation is presented. 
• No formal votes or committee decisions were made during this meeting. 

Adjournment

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned following completion of the scheduled agenda items.