Department: Human Resources and Risk Management
Department Head/Elected Official: Shain Carrizal
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Policy
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Participation (if applicable): N/A
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
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Request by Human Resources & Risk Management for approval to temporarily amend the Harris County Personnel Policies and Procedures to suspend the 75-day benefit waiting period for new employees until December 31, 2021. New regular position employees will be eligible for group health benefits the first day of the pay period following 7 days of continuous employment.
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Background and Discussion:
Because of the elevated threat level, temporarily suspending the 75-day benefit waiting period supports the wellness of new Harris County employees and assists with stopping the spread of COVID by promoting new employees to get tested and seek treatment for COVID without the financial concern of having insurance to cover the expenses. Suspension of the benefit waiting period was last extended through November 30, 2021.
Expected Impact:
Harris County is self-insured for medical. An analysis was performed for the March 1, 2020 - February 28, 2021 plan year, and $1.6M was paid by the plan for new employees and their dependents prior to their 75-day waiting period. This represented 0.5% of the total $320M in claims. However, $1.6M is overstating the financial impact because an employee or their dependent could have used the medical plan prior to 75 days, but it is possible they would have sought the same medical services after 75 days. Since implementation of this policy amendment, there has been $140K in claims paid for employees (and their dependents), who terminated employment before the 75-day waiting period.
Alternative Options:
Commissioners Court could take no action to eliminate the financial impact.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and ...
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