Primary Department: Human Resources and Talent
Primary Department Head/Elected Official: Andrea Coughlin Rowley, Chief People Officer
Secondary Department: Choose an item.
Secondary Department Head/Elected Official:
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Transmittal
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
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Justification for 0% Grant Indirect Costs Rate (if applicable): N/A - Not a grant item
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Transmittal by Human Resources and Talent of an update on the implementation of the Plan Year 2027 enhancements to the Aetna SilverScript Employer Prescription Drug Plan (EGWP) for eligible Medicare-primary retirees and covered dependents.
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Background and Discussion:
Human Resources & Talent (HRT), Benefits & Wellness, has continued implementation of the SilverScript enhancements previously approved by Commissioners Court for Plan Year 2027. These enhancements are intended to provide eligible Medicare-primary retirees and covered dependents with more predictable prescription drug costs, broader formulary coverage, and additional support in navigating their healthcare and prescription drug benefits.
Implementation activities have included coordination with Aetna/SilverScript to prepare the enhanced prescription drug plan design and Comprehensive Plus formulary for the January 1, 2027 effective date, as well as implementation of dedicated retiree healthcare advocacy services through RetireeFirst.
HRT has also incorporated information regarding the SilverScript enhancements and RetireeFirst services into its comprehensive 2027 Retiree Open Enrollment communications and outreach campaign. Retiree Open Enrollment is being conducted from September 21 through October 23, 2026, and includes mailed and electronic communications, dedicated online resources, social media outreach, and multiple in-person and virtual Open Enrollment meetings.
A summary of implementation activities and retiree outreach efforts is attached to this transmittal.
Expected Impact:
The Plan Year 2027 SilverScript enhancements are expected to provide Medicare-primary retirees and covered dependents with greater predictability in prescription drug costs, expanded formulary coverage, and additional support in navigating their healthcare and prescription drug benefits through RetireeFirst.
The coordinated Open Enrollment outreach and member communications are intended to ensure retirees have timely information regarding the 2027 enhancements, understand the resources available to them, and have multiple opportunities to receive assistance before the January 1, 2027, effective date.
Alternative Options:
No alternative action is requested as part of this transmittal. The Plan Year 2027 SilverScript enhancements and retiree advocacy services were previously approved by Commissioners Court, and implementation is underway for the January 1, 2027, effective date.
County Strategic Plan Goal: N/A
County Strategic Plan Objective: N/A
Justice/Safety Initiative (Goal 1): N/A
Infrastructure Initiative (Goal 2): N/A
Economy Initiative (Goal 3): N/A
Health Initiative (Goal 4): N/A
Climate/Resilience Initiative (Goal 5): N/A
Housing Initiative (Goal 6): N/A
Additional notes related to the Strategic Plan:
Prior Court Action (if any):
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Date |
Agenda Item # |
Action Taken |
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7/9/2026 |
9 |
Direct HRT to provide an update on the implementation of option three for the Aetna SilverScript Employer Group Waiver Plan (EGWP) |
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5/14/2026 |
12 |
Direct HRT and OMB to return with updated utilization data and recommendations informed by the preferences of impacted retirees. |
|
4/16/2026 |
321 |
Direct HRT to return with cost/feasibility of returning retirees to the previous Rx plan. |
|
3/19/2026 |
235, 458 |
Direct OMB and HRT to review the Aetna SilverScript EGWP, address retiree concerns, ensure no increased retiree costs, and report back on 05/14/26. |
Location: N/A
Address (if applicable): N/A
Precinct(s): Countywide
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Anticipated Court Date: 10/15/2026
Anticipated Implementation Date (if different from Court date): Click or tap to enter a date.
Emergency/Disaster Recovery Note: Not an emergency, disaster, or ARPA related item
Contact(s) name, title, department: Sarah Acosta, Director, Benefits & Wellness, Human Resources and Talent
Attachments (if applicable): SilverScript Enhancement Implementation Update