HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 20, 2006 E-06AGENDA ITEM E'4
AdsollihL CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
TM
AGENDA TITLE: Adopt Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Execute a Professional
Services Agreement for Benefits Administration Consulting Services for the
City of Lodi with ABD Insurance & Financial Services (HR) ($25,000)
MEETING OATS: December 20, 2006
PREPARED BY: James Krueger, Deputy City Manager
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Authorize the City Manager to enter into an agreement for Benefits
Administration Consulting Services for the City of Lodi with ARD
Insurance & Financial Services for a three year term with an
administrative option to renew for another one year period.
BACKiIiR(XJND INFORMATION: On August 16, 2006, City Council directed staff to prepare a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for Benefits Administration Consulting
Services and obtain proposals from qualified firms.
The RFP was issued and the availability of this document advertised. Staff sent the RFP to six firms
experienced in the insurance and benefits arena. Four firms, all qualified to provide benefits consulting
services, responded. After careful review of their written proposals it was determined the most expensive
proposal, which significantly exceeded the Benefits Administration budget, should be removed from the
process. The three remaining firms were invited to interviews in which they were provided an opportunity
to present their knowledge of the industry and any attributes that make them especially qualified to
provide services for the City. The interview panel, comprised of James Krueger, Deputy City Manager,
Judy Behnke, Human Resources Technician and Cristina Gonzales, Human Resources Administrative
Secretary, met and questioned these firms in order to determine which would be the best to meet the
City's needs.
The fees that the three finalisit firms outlined in their proposals were:
PrOpcSr
Fee
ABO Insurance & Financial Services
$25,000 annually - includes biannual actuarial services for
self funded programs. If at some point the City were to exit
CaIPERS medical, then an additional $25,000 would a
Bohannon Insurance Group
$39,000 annually. If at some point the City were to exit
CaIPERS medical, then fee increases to $68,750 annually,
_
Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc.
$47,000 annually. The fee if the City were to exit CalPERS
medical was not specified in this proposal. Biannual
actuarial services for self funde"ro rams - $3,000.
APPROVED: __ �)
Blai ng, City Manager
Adopt Re"lution Authorizing the City 1$anager to Execute a
ProfessioW Sorvk= AgreWient inr befits Administration
Consulti ervicos for City of Lodi-Vith Aft} Insurance &
Financial the rvims (H R) ($25.000)
Decembei-tO, 2006
Page 2
The interview panel carefully evaluated these firms based on all information presented. The panel
determOted that ABD Insuratice and Financial Services was beat qualified to serve as the City's benefits
adminiation consultant. ABD is an independent consulting, brokerage and administrative services
operation. They are not affiliated with any insurance company, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO),
Preferred Provider Organizaton (PPO) or other benefit vendor. They provide employee benefits servioes
to 152 public sector clients in California, of which 127 are cities. Employee benefits account for 40% of
ABD's business.
As the City's benefits consultant, ABD will be taking on a very broad range of responsibHities.
Fundamentally, they will provide consultation, attend meetings and deliver other services as requested
on any matter pertaining to the operation of the City's employee benefit programs. However, their duties
will go for beyond this.
Initially, ABD's priority will be to perform a review of those benefit programs which historically have been
most caetly to the City and make recommendations for maximizing benefits within cost constraints. They
will assist in the implementation of any recommended pian changes the City may decide to pursue. They
will then perform a review of all other benefit programs and provide the City with recommendations for
improvement. They will conduct bi-annual underwriting analyses of all self-insured programs. ABD will
also serve as an important communications link with City employees in terms of providing information
regarding the structure of various plans, benefits offered, and the meaning of changes to plans as they
occur.
In the attached agreement, ABD outlines proposed services at an annual price of $25,000, which
includes biannual services for self funded programs. In the event the City decides to proceed with
significant plan changes in the medical benefits arena, ABD's time and resources would be significantly
impacted. ABD would propose a plan change implementation service fee schedule on a flat fee basis. If
ABD were requested to market and potentially implement an alternative to the CaIPERS medical
program, ABD would request an additional fee of $25,000, making total compensation to ABD for that
year $50,000. Should any additional fees be necessary, they will be brought back to City Council for
consideration.
FISCAL. IMPACT: $25,000 annually
RMIDING AVAN.ABLE: All funds necessary to cover the cost of this agreement are available in
Benefits Administration — 270201.
/P" ons, Budget Manager
Respectfully submitted,
a Krueger, Deputy City Manager
CITY OF LODI
CONSULTING AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made at Lodi, California by and between the City of Lodi, a municipal
corporation ("CITY"), and ABD INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES ("ABD"), a corporation,
whose address is 2480 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento CA 95833, for insurance benefit
consultant services.
IT IS AGREED AS FOLLOWS:
I. SERVICES
Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, ABD shall provide to
CITY the services described in Exhibit A entitled Scope of Work. ABD shall provide the
services at the time, place and in the manner specified in Exhibit A. ABD shall not be
compensated for services outside the scope of Exhibit A unless, prior to the commencement of
such services: (a) ABD notifies CITY and CITY agrees in writing that such services outside the
scope of Exhibit A are to be performed; (b) ABD estimates the additional compensation required
for the additional services, and (c) CITY, after notice, approves the additional services and
amount of compensation therefore in writing.
No verbal agreement or conversation with any officer, agent or employee of CITY, either
before, during or after the execution of this Agreement shall affect or modify any of the terms or
conditions contained in this Agreement, nor shall any such verbal agreement or conversation
entitle ABD to any additional payment whatsoever under the terms of this Agreement.
II. COMPENSATION
CITY shall pay ABD for services rendered pursuant to this Agreement at the times and in
the manner set forth in Exhibit B in an amount not to exceed $25,000 annually. The payments
specified in Exhibit B shall be the only payments to be made to ABD for services rendered
pursuant to this Agreement unless, pursuant to Section I above, CITY approves additional
compensation for additional services.
ABD will submit quarterly invoices to CITY.
CITY shall not pay any out-of-pocket travel, lodging and incidental expenses incurred by
ABD, other than as specified in Exhibit B.
All invoices sent by ABD to CITY shall be paid within thirty (30) days of receipt. All
billings that remain unpaid after thirty (30) days shall bear interest until paid at the rate of twelve
percent (12%) per annum or the maximum rate allowed by law, whichever is less. If CITY fails
to pay any invoice within thirty (30) days and such failure continues ten (10) days after ABD
gives CITY notice of such failure, ABD shall have the right to terminate this Agreement
immediately without liability to CITY. The right to terminate under the terms of this section
shall be in addition to all other legal, equitable, or contractual remedies available to ABD.
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 1
III. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AGREEMENT
1. Time for Commencement and Completion of Work: ABD shall commence work on
January 1, 2007; the contract shall expire on December 31, 2009. Upon mutual agreement of
CITY and ABD, there is an administrative option to renew this contract for another one year
period commencing January 1, 2010 and expiring December 31, 2010.
2. Advertisements, Permits, Access: ABD represents and warrants to CITY that it has all
licenses, permits, qualifications and approvals of any nature whatsoever which are legally
required for ABD to practice its profession. ABD represents and warrants to CITY that ABD
shall, at its sole cost and expense, keep in effect or obtain at all times during the term of this
Agreement, any licenses, permits, and approvals which are legally required for ABD to practice
its profession.
3. Relationship of Parties, No Third -Party Beneficiaries: ABD is an independent contractor
under this Agreement. This Agreement gives no rights or benefits to anyone not named as a
party to this Agreement, and there are no third party beneficiaries to this Agreement.
4. Subcontracts: No portion of the work or services under this Agreement shall be assigned,
transferred, conveyed or subcontracted without the prior written approval of CITY. Independent
contractors and subcontractors shall be provided with a copy of this Agreement and shall agree
to be bound by its terms. ABD shall be the responsible party with respect to all actions of its
independent contractors and subcontractors, and shall obtain such insurance and indemnity
provisions from its contractors and subcontractors as ABD and the City of Lodi Deputy City
Manager shall determine to be necessary.
5. Reports and Information: ABD, at such times and in such form as CITY may require,
shall furnish CITY with such periodic reports as it may request pertaining to the work or services
undertaken pursuant to this Agreement, the costs or obligations incurred or to be incurred in
connection therewith, and any other matters covered by this Agreement.
6. No Discrimination: In the performance of this Agreement, ABD shall not discriminate
against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national
origin, sexual orientation or medical condition. ABD shall take affirmative action to ensure
applicants are employed and that employees are treated during their employment without regard
to their race, religion, color, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or medical condition. Such
actions shall include, but not be limited to, the following: employment, upgrading, demotion or
transfer, recruitment or recruitment advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms
of compensation and selection for training.
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 2
7. Insurance Requirements: During the duration of this Agreement, ABD shall maintain the
following noted insurance:
Coverage Required Not Required
Commercial General Liability x
Comprehensive Vehicle Liability x
Workers Compensation and Employee Liability x
Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) x
A. Minimum Scope and Limits of Insurance: Coverage shall be at least as broad as:
(1) Insurance Services Office form number CG -0001, Commercial General Liability
Insurance, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence $2,000,000 general aggregate
for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage;
(2) Insurance Services Office form number CA -0001, Comprehensive Automobile Liability
Insurance, which provides for total limits of not less than $1,000,000 combined single limits per
accident applicable to all owned/non-owned and hired vehicles;
(3) Statutory Workers Compensation required by the Labor Code of the State of California
and Employers' Liability Insurance in an amount not less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. Both
the Workers Compensation and Employers' Liability policy shall contain the insurer's waiver of
subrogation in favor of CITY, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers;
(4) Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions) insurance, appropriate to consultant's
profession, against loss due to error or omission or malpractice in an amount not less than
$1,000,000. Architects' and engineers' coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual
liability.
B. Deductibles and Self -Insured Retentions: Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must
be declared to and approved by CITY.
C. Other Insurance Provisions: The policies are to contain or be endorsed to contain the
following provisions:
(1) General liability and automobile liability coverages;
(2) CITY, its elected officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers are to be covered
as additional insured as respects: liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on
behalf of ABD; premises owned, leased or used by ABD, or automobiles owned, leased, hired or
borrowed by ABD. The coverage shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection
afforded to CITY, its elected officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers.
(3) The insurance coverage of ABD shall be primary insurance as respects CITY, its elected
officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained
by CITY, its elected officials, officers, employees, agents or volunteers shall be in excess of
ABD's insurance and shall not contribute with it.
D. Acceptability of Insurers: Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a Bests' rating of
no less than A -VII. This requirement may, however, be waived in individual cases provided,
however, in no event will a carrier with a rating below B:IX be acceptable.
E. Verification of Coverage: ABD shall furnish CITY with certificates of insurance and
with original endorsements affecting coverage required by this clause. The certificates and
endorsements for each insurance policy are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to
bind coverage on its behalf. CITY may withhold payments to ABD if certificates of insurance
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 3
and endorsements required have not been provided. The CITY reserves the right to require
complete certified copies of all required insurance policies.
F. Indemnity and Hold Harmless: ABD shall indemnify and save harmless CITY, its
elected officials, officers, employees, agents and volunteers, and each and every one of them,
from and against all actions, damages, costs, liability, claims, losses and expenses of every type
and description to which any or all of them may be subjected, by reason of, or resulting from,
directly or indirectly, the negligent performance of this Agreement by ABD, whether or not
caused in part by passive negligence of the party indemnified hereunder. The foregoing shall
include, but not be limited to, any attorneys fees reasonably incurred by CITY.
G. Standard of Performance: ABD shall perform all services required pursuant to this
Agreement in the manner and according to the standards observed by a competent practitioner of
the profession. All products of whatsoever nature which ABD delivers to CITY pursuant to this
Agreement shall be prepared in a professional manner and conform to the standards of quality
normally observed by a person practicing the profession of ABD and its agents, employees and
subcontractors assigned to perform the services contemplated by this Agreement.
H. Reliance Upon Data, Documents and Records: ABD shall be entitled to rely upon the
accuracy and completeness of all data furnished by CITY to ABD that is used by ABD in the
providing of services under this Agreement. ABD may retain and use all data furnished to it,
except such data which may be marked "confidential" and required to be returned, and may use
all plans, designs, specifications and other work product created by ABD in providing services
hereunder. Any use of such work product which includes proprietary information shall not
identify CITY; nor shall the manner of such use have the effect of identifying CITY.
I. Ownership and Use of Documents and Electronic Media Deliverables: All completed
reports and other data or documents, or computer media including diskettes and other materials
provide or prepared by ABD in accordance with this Agreement are the property of CITY, and
may be used by CITY. CITY shall release, defend, indemnify and hold harmless ABD from all
claims, costs, expenses, damage or liability arising out of or resulting from the use or
modification of any reports, data, documents, drawings, specifications or other work product
prepared by ABD, except use by CITY on those portions of Project for which such items were
prepared.
J. Resolutions of Disputes, Attorneys Fees: The laws of the State of California shall govern
the interpretation of and the resolution of disputes under this Agreement. If any claim, at law or
otherwise is made by either party to this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to its
costs and reasonable attorneys' fees.
K. Termination: CITY shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by
giving thirty (30) days' written notice of such termination to ABD. In the event CITY shall give
such notice of termination, ABD shall cease rendering services pursuant to this Agreement.
1. In the event CITY shall terminate this Agreement: (a) CITY shall have full ownership
and control of all writings which have been delivered by ABD pursuant to this Agreement and all
drafts of reports and writings which form the basis for any writing or report which would have
been otherwise delivered to CITY pursuant to this Agreement; (b) CITY shall pay ABD the
reasonable value of services rendered by ABD pursuant to this Agreement provided, however,
CITY shall not in any manner be liable for lost profits which might have been made by ABD had
ABD completed the services required by this Agreement. In this regard, ABD shall furnish to
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 4
CITY such financial information as in the judgment of the CITY representative is necessary to
determine the reasonable value of the services rendered by ABD.
L. Compliance with Laws: ABD shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and
codes of the federal, state and local governments.
M. Representatives of the Parties: The CITY representative for this Agreement is James
Krueger, Deputy City Manager. All questions pertaining to this Agreement will be referred to
the above named person, or the representative's designee.
N. The ABD representative for this Agreement is Terri Ezaki telephone number
(916) 566-2827, FAX number (916) 566-2999. All CITY questions pertaining to this Agreement
will be referred to the above named person.
O. Notices: All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be
deemed given only if in writing signed by an authorized representative of the sender (may be
other than the representative referred to in Paragraph M above), and delivered by facsimile with
a hard copy mailed first class, postage prepaid, or when sent by a courier or express services
guaranteeing overnight delivery to the receiving party, and addressed to the respective party as
follows:
To CITY: City of Lodi
Attn: James Krueger
Deputy City Manager
221 West Pine Street
Lodi, CA 95241-1910
To ABD: ABD Insurance & Financial Services
Attn: Terri Ezaki
2480 Natomas Park Drive, Suite 200
Sacramento CA 95833
P. Entire Agreement: This document, including all exhibits, contains the entire agreement
between the parties and supersedes whatever oral or written understanding they may have had
prior to the execution of this Agreement.
Q. Severability: If any portion of this Agreement or the application thereof to any person or
circumstance shall be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remainder of this Agreement
shall not be affected thereby and shall be enforced to the greatest extent permitted by law.
R. Headings, Assignment and Waiver: The headings in this Agreement are inserted for
convenience only and shall not constitute a part hereof. Neither party to this Agreement shall
assign its duties and obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the other party. A
waiver of any party of any provision or a breach of this Agreement must be provided in writing
and shall not be construed as a waiver of any other provision or any succeeding breach of the
same or any other provisions herein.
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 5
S. Authority: The undersigned hereby represent and warrant that they are authorized by the
parties to execute this Agreement. In addition, ABD represents and warrants the following: ABD
Services is a corporation, organized under the laws of the State of California; the copies of the
documents evidencing the organization of ABD which have been delivered to CITY are true and
complete copies of the originals, as amended to the date of this Agreement; Linda Hunter,
Executive Vice President, has full right, power and lawful authority to undertake all obligations
as provided in this Agreement and the execution, performance and delivery of this Agreement by
Linda Hunter has been fully authorized by all requisite actions on the part of ABD Insurance and
Financial Services.
T. Date of Agreement: The date of this Agreement shall be the date it is signed by CITY.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CITY and ABD have executed this Agreement below:
Dated: December _, 2006
ATTEST:
Randi Johl, City Clerk
Dated: December _, 2006
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Scope of Work (Proposal)
Exhibit B — Fees
City of Lodi - Consulting and Professional Services Agreement
ABD Insurance and Financial Services Page 6
CITY OF LODI
A Municipal Corporation
Bv:
Blair King, City Manager
By:
James Krueger, Deputy City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
D. Stephen Schwabauer, City Attorney
ABD INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES
A Corporation
Linda Hunter, Executive Vice President
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Response to Request for Proposal
Employee Benefits Consultant/Broker Services
City of Lodi
Presented by:
Terri Ezaki, Vice President, Employee Benefits
Leean Dessaussois, Account Manager, Employee Benefits
ABD Insurance & Financial Services
2480 Natomas Park Drive
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 566-2827
tfe@abdi.com
September 8, 2006
1
abd financia insur___ ____
Answers. Not Excuses.
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PAGE 3
II. ABD BACKGROUND & OVERVIEW PAGE 5
III. CLIENT REFERENCES PAGE 8
IV. SCOPE OF WORK PAGE 10
V. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS PAGE 22
VI. COMPENSATION PAGE 32
VII. LIABILITY COVERAGE PAGE 34
VIII. EXHIBITS PAGE 35
2
abd insurancfinancia
Answers. Not Excuses.
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
We appreciate the opportunity to compete for the City of Lodi s business. As is our custom
with complex projects, we offer this executive summary to simply explain why ABD is the
preferred consultant for the City. As will be noted from our response, ABD has significant
expertise in the public sector. Furthermore, ABD's associates provide:
❖ Established relationships with providers, including "back door" contacts within
provider networks to assist with special issues.
❖ Expert negotiating skills to get the best possible renewal rates during contract renewals.
❖ Current knowledge of educational industry standards for employee benefits, assuring
the City remains competitive in offering benefits that will attract and retain employees.
❖ Knowledgeable, helpful staff capable of answering employee and employer questions.
❖ Credible references from clients within similar industry, utilizing similar services.
❖ Innovative, "out of the box" strategic thinking, allowing for creative solutions to
problems and new approaches to benefit offerings.
An industry leader and innovator, ABD is widely recognized and respected for its collaborative,
client -focused culture and customer support - and, more importantly, being the employer's and
employees' advocate. We work with you to deliver creative, cost-effective solutions for your
risk management concerns, providing expertise in property & casualty insurance, employee
benefits consulting, retirement & financial services, executive benefits, risk control, surety,
claims management and personal lines.
ABD provides a unique combination of client services, strategic global market relationships,
specialized industry knowledge and focus on results. In addition, we continue to provide the
staff expertise, delivering services and systems capabilities of a national brokerage house
without losing the best characteristics of a small and entrepreneurial brokerage firm - including
direct access by policyholders to top management, personal accountability at all levels, and a
business built on long-standing personal relationships with customers, vendors and insurance
carriers.
ABD employs the highest quality of individuals and creates teams to specifically support the
needs of our clients. The team who has been selected for the City of Lodi has over 175 years of
combined industry experience. This team of qualified individuals is committed to service
excellence and will ensure that innovative solutions are brought to the City's attention without
losing sight of the necessity to remain compliant.
ABD's proven full-service partnership approach is based on a simple, yet critical, principle: we
listen to our clients.
Listening intently is critical in establishing and maintaining any business partnership.
Surprisingly, many brokers and consultants fail their clients because of their inability to deliver
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 3
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
this basic client service. Our teams focus on gaining the comprehensive understanding of
clients' needs and objectives necessary to deliver timely, proactive, and meaningful service.
ABD delivers the services our clients ask for, rather than unnecessary services they don't want
or need.
While our service approach is thorough, it is extremely flexible, allowing us to meet the unique
benefits needs and challenges of each of our client partners.
ABD's client service model is built upon the exceptional talent, experience and work ethic of
your account team. ABD has assembled a team that has the experience and qualifications
essential to deliver everything required.
Our strong relationships with carriers and vendors are extremely important and provide
significant value to our customers. We view carriers not as adversaries, but as an integral piece
of our client's employee benefit program. It is imperative that our relationship with carriers is
built on trust and respect. By treating carriers fairly, we have the ability to negotiate the best
possible deals and obtain assistance where other brokers and consultants may fall short.
By selecting ABD, the City would be working with a firm that has financial strength,
management capabilities, knowledge and professionalism while delivering an excellent level of
service. ABD associates have the desire to explore creative alternatives that at first glance may
not appear to be in the arena of possibilities for the client. In addition, ABD is a proactive firm
with brokers who anticipate possible changes in the provider community, cost of benefits,
impact of legislative changes and make suggestions to the client before the change becomes
mandated. This requires the Broker/Consultant to build a rapport with the client and to
understand the personality of the client including tolerance to change, steps needed to make a
change, and financial picture of the client. Furthermore, in the municipal environment, ABD
has developed the ability to earn the trust of employee groups, thus being able to educate the
employees and to explain the rationale behind a proposed change.
ABD will be the City's advocate and will work with the City in its process of selecting,
negotiating, implementing and maintaining comprehensive and cost effective health and
welfare benefits. Remaining objective and securing the best benefits available in the market
remains a key goal of ABD. Providing a level of service that eases the client's administrative
burdens will continue to be an increasingly important responsibility in an environment full of
budget constraints and cutbacks.
abd insur___
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 4
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
II. ABD OVERVIEW
Provide background information pertaining to type of organization and specialization
including a brief description, length of time in business, number of staff, ownership and/or
agency connections with insurance companies or other employee benefit vendors including
compensatory arrangements.
ABD fills a unique niche in the California employee benefits consulting marketplace, providing
clients with the market leverage of the 15th largest U.S. broker, along with the flexibility and
service platform of a local firm. All service, decision-making, and executive management is
based in California. This allows us to direct all of our energy and resources to our clients and
make important decisions quickly and efficiently.
ABD is not affiliated or owned by any specific insurance company or employee benefit vendor.
As a broker/consultant, ABD represents the client's best interest in all matters. Compensation is
fully disclosed to each client and is specific to each client. In addition, ABD has some
contingency commission arrangements which are also fully disclosed. Please see Section VIII,
Exhibit 1 for a copy of our Disclosure Policy.
ABD's broad client base cuts across all industries and runs the gamut from technology to
manufacturing, from public entities to agriculture. There is one common thread. Specifically,
our clients openly admit that they are "needy." It is ABD's ability to meet and exceed those
needs that fosters a valuable partnership with our clients and explains our many long-term
relationships.
We listen carefully to our clients' needs and deliver innovative ideas, products, and solutions.
ABD is a recognized leader in developing special and proprietary products and programs
which help provide either cost savings or enhanced efficiencies for our clients. Two such
programs (CyberSure and ABDConnect) were developed and completely subsidized by ABD
due to our clients' universal need and our full-service approach to business.
ABD FACTS
■ Founded in 1946, ABD has enjoyed 60 years of continuous growth
■ ABD ranks as the 15th largest U.S. retail broker
■ Multi -line operation, specializing in domestic & international employee benefits, risk
management, and retirement plan services
■ Annual revenues topping $150,000,000 and premiums over $1.65 billion
■ Executive management located in Redwood City, California
■ ABD has 19 offices, employing 800 employees, located throughout California as well as
Reno, Nevada, Scottsdale, Arizona, and Seattle, Washington
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 5
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
■ Regional offices provide all client decision-making, allowing for efficient and quick
responses to important issues
■ All principals are active in the insurance and financial services business
■ 96% client retention rate over the last 5 years [Employee Benefit Services]
■ Continuity of service delivered from highly trained teams:
-18% of our employees with over 15 years of service with ABD
- 50% of our employees with over 5 years of service with ABD
- Turnover rate of 7.8% in 2003
■ The Employee Benefits [EB] division generates 30 - 35% of ABD's revenue
■ 40% of those EB revenues are generated by clients with multi -site, multi -state needs
■ ABD currently has over 2,000 clients, made up of 1,392 Health & Welfare clients
■ In March 2002, ABD became a wholly owned and autonomous subsidiary of Greater Bay
Bancorp. GBBK is a $7.5 billion financial institution and is publicly traded on the NYSE.
ABD SPECIALIZED EXPERTISE
■ Developed successful purchasing pools and cooperatives for cities for medical, dental,
vision, life, AD&D, disability and EAP coverages. These pools and cooperatives provide
group insurance programs for over 40,000 employees.
■ Labor union expertise - ABD is experienced at obtaining consensus with these groups to
structure medium and long term benefit strategies.
■ Expertise in multi -state, multi -location employers.
■ Full-service consulting includes executive benefits and retirement programs.
■ Providing public agencies with compliance consulting services in areas such as GASB 43
and 45, COBRA, Medicare Part D and HIPAA Privacy.
■ Specialize in employee and retiree benefit communications. We access and utilize various
approaches ranging from open enrollment meetings and health fairs to online access and
self help.
SACRAMENTO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS DIVISION
The Sacramento Employee Benefits Services division of ABD is a leading insurance service
organization with 17 full-time employees serving over 250 clients, covering more than 76,500
employee lives.
The Sacramento location serves a variety of clients throughout California and the Western
United States, providing brokerage, consulting and administrative services for clients who are
self-insured, partially self-insured, and fully insured. Client services cover Medical, Dental,
abd insur__- -
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 6
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Vision, Life, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Workers' Compensation, and
specialty products such as Executive Benefits, Pension Plans, IRC Section 125 and Flexible
Spending Accounts, also providing on-going assistance and guidance for COBRA requirements
and other regulations.
For more than a decade, we have consulted for a large number of private and public firms
throughout Northern California. Our long-standing relationships with these entities have set us
apart from other consultants and brokers. Our experience allows us to easily recognize and
provide prompt service identified with the specific aspects of internal procedures such as:
♦ Examination of alternative benefit structures and funding options;
♦ Union negotiation processes and resulting fast -paced action;
♦ Federal and State programs and their influence on specific benefits;
♦ Maintaining a strong position in identifying, marketing, and negotiating with
carriers;
♦ Cooperative purchasing arrangements and their specific nuances.
As advocates of our clients, we are always dedicated to seeking out new services or alternative
purchasing methods. To service this end, ABD Insurance and Financial Services has made
extensive efforts to secure viable alternative options that will benefit our clients. Programs
already in place include several strategic alliances with key insurance carriers in the industry.
Because of these special arrangements, ABD is able to offer products, services, and prices that
are not accessible otherwise.
The Sacramento staff within ABD is passionate about providing the best possible customer
service to our clients, both in thinking outside the box to arrive at creative benefit solutions, and
to go the extra mile in providing whatever assistance is needed to the Human Resources staff.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 7
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
III. CLIENT REFERENCES
Current client list with minimum employee group size of 200 — specifically including public
sector agencies when available, the name and address of each client and the name, title and
telephone number of each client's benefit manager.
The following chart is a partial list of those clients managed by the ABD Sacramento team
proposed to work with the City. For a complete list of ABD's public sector clients, please see
Section VIII, Exhibit 2.
Client &
Time Period
#
Insurance
Contact Name
Serviced
Employees
Programs
City of Folsom
2004 -present
550
Fully -Insured
John Spittler, Human Resources
Medical, Dental, Self -
Director
Insured Vision
50 Natoma Street
Full Brokerage
Folsom, CA 95630
Services
(916) 351-3382
jspittler@folsom.ca.us
City of Fairfield
1998 -present
500
Fully -Insured
Robyn Kain, Benefits & Risk Manager
Medical, Life, STD,
1000 Webster Street
LTD and EAP, Self -
Fairfield, CA 94533
Insured Dental
(707) 428-7397
Full Brokerage
rkain@ci.fairfield.ca.us
Services
City of Chico
2006
400
Fully -Insured
Dan Fulks, Director of Personnel and
Medical, Dental,
Risk Management
Vision, and Life
411 Main Street
Full Brokerage
Chico, CA 95927
Services
(530)879-7901
dfulks@ci.chico.ca.us
City of Pittsburg
2003 -present
200
Fully -Insured
Marc Fox, Director of Human Resources
Medical, Life, STD,
65 Civic Avenue
LTD and EAP, Self -
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Insured Dental
(925) 252-4876
Full Brokerage
mfox@ci.pittsburg.ca.us
Services
abd insurance
Answers. Not Excuses. 8
serfllplcrlll!a
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Center Unified School District
2004 -present
600
Fully -Insured
George Tigner, Director of Personnel
Medical, Vision and
8408 Watt Avenue
Life, Self -Insured
Antelope, CA 95843-9116
Dental
(916) 338-6414
Full Brokerage
gtigner@centerusd.k12.ca.us
Services
Folsom Cordova Unified School
2003 -Jan. 2005
1,500
Fully -Insured
District
Nov. 2005 -
Medical, Dental,
Debbie Bettencourt, Deputy Supt.
present
Vision, and Life
125 East Bidwell Street
Insurance
Folsom, CA 95630-3252
Full Brokerage
(916) 355-1111, ext. 114
Services
dbettenc@fcusd.kl2.ca.us
Dixon Unified School District
1992 -present
400
Fully -Insured
Susan Rinne, Chief Business Official
Medical
180 South First Street #6
Full Brokerage
Dixon, CA 95620
Services
(707) 678-5582
srinne@dixonusd.or
North Sacramento School District
2003 -present
675
Fully -Insured
Doug Marquand, Chief Bus. &
Medical, Dental,
Operations
Vision and Life
670 Dixieanne Avenue
Insurance
Sacramento, CA 95815
Full Brokerage
(916) 263-8208
Services
dmarquand@nssd.kl2.ca.us
abd insurance
_--
financia Answers. Not Excuses.
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
IV. SCOPE OF WORK
Provide a description of the firm's ability to provide services outlined in the scope of work, a
description of the work to be conducted, and a listing of additional services that will be included
without additional cost.
1. Review the operation of the City's long-term disability, dental and medical plans from the
standpoint of loss ratio, claims expenses, premium generation, provider contracts and other
relevant factors.
ABD believes a key component in delivering client service is achieving a thorough knowledge
of a client's goals, both cultural and financial. ABD's full-service approach to partnership with
the City is centered on obtaining and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of specific
benefit program needs and objectives.
As the City's consultant and partner, the ABD account team will meet with your management
team to conduct an in-depth Client Needs Assessment. This discovery process will ensure that
ABD fully comprehends the City's current business environment, short and long-term business
plans, employee recruitment and retention objectives, decision-making processes, HR staffing
and systems capabilities, and benefits goals, while identifying any potential obstacles to current
plan administration and/or future plan implementation.
By assisting ABD in a detailed Client Needs Assessment, you will be assured that we
understand the City's unique needs and have identified opportunities to further control costs,
leverage staff resources, and/or improve benefit plans or administrative systems.
During this process, it may be decided that employee surveys are required in order to
determine whether the current benefit plan offerings appropriately meet the needs of your
employees. If a survey is required, ABD can administer online surveys to gauge the level of
employee satisfaction.
Next, we will apply the knowledge gained from the Client Needs Assessment to develop an
Annual Service Plan tailored to meet the needs of the City. Creating a formalized plan will
allow the City and ABD to agree on a process to work together with carriers and vendors to
design and administer your benefit program.
The Annual Service Plan will solidify our partnership by providing a clear understanding of the
respective roles and responsibilities of each partner. The plan will hold ABD accountable for
service deliverables by detailing each project, each scheduled management, financial, and
service meeting, and the timing of events throughout the plan year. The Annual Service Plan
will be designed to adhere to the City's service timetable, but will be flexible enough to
accommodate any changes or challenges that may arise.
abd financia insur__- -
Answers. Not Excuses. 1
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Increasing the accuracy of the budgeting process and avoiding unpleasant financial surprises do
not result from guesswork. They result from proper planning. Accordingly, a Financial Plan
Review of the City's current claims and utilization data will be one of the first responsibilities
undertaken from our Annual Service Plan. In addition, we will provide the City with a medical
renewal forecast and identify any utilization trends that warrant a need for targeted plan design
revisions.
ABD will provide statistical reports reviewing all available utilization data, cost containment
data, enrollee distribution, provider status and provide analysis of the data in a time frame that
meets the City's needs. All technical information is presented in a straightforward and lucid
manner. We are able to summarize usage trends and program element effectiveness into a
simple report with detailed backup as appropriate.
2. Review the availability of alternative long-term disability, dental and medical plan insurers
and/or administrators and plan designs in the local market place, make recommendations for
maximizing benefits within cost constraints, and assist with implementation of selected
recommendations.
We understand that attracting and retaining a talented workforce at the most competitive cost is
a key business goal. Therefore, we will conduct a thorough evaluation of the current benefits
program to identify any areas that could be revised or revisited to better meet your recruiting
and retention goals and benefits objectives.
Our approach would involve a thorough review of the City's employee group insurance
programs to evaluate and comprehend the current situation. A meeting with City
representatives to identify program objectives and potential cost containment strategies would
follow, concluding with the development of short and long term goals designed to meet the
goals set by the City. Such objectives might include:
• Incorporating managed care techniques and cost control planning in order to
regulate spending growth;
• Considering emerging benefit trends and products and how they might affect the
City's program, including planning for their impact;
• Securing actuarially sound cost projections for actual or hypothetical changes in
the healthcare programs;
• Responding to the impact that various government regulations and legislation
have on the City's plans;
• Offering employee survey samples that could be used to evaluate the pulse of
City employees;
• Assisting in the development of an implementation plan, so any plan changes
that occur are effectively communicated to participants.
abd financia insur___
Answers. Not Excuses. 11
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
In future plan years, our knowledge of well-established and innovative benefits products will
enable us to present the City with options that will allow you to offer a cutting-edge,
competitive benefits program in a cost-effective manner. Our approach to benefits design will
continue to be collaborative, creative and comprehensive each year of our partnership.
Please see the response to Question #7 below for a detailed illustration of how ABD manages
the bidding process.
3. Provide ongoing consultation and advice on City coverage including advice on the design of
benefit programs relative to changes in employee demographics, legal requirements, impact of
taxation, legislation, benefit trends, government programs and mandated benefits, and local
market provider availability.
Members of the Brokerage/Consulting Team will work closely with the management and
employees to monitor the City's benefit plans. Providing on-going consultation and advice
pertaining to the plans is an integral component of our services. As data is available, ABD will
review and discuss with the City emerging claim experience results, mid -year renewal forecasts
and any new benefit industry or other related industry developments that have the potential to
impact the City from a cost or benefit aspect. Additionally, it is important that ABD be notified
of any changes within the City that would have the potential to have an effect on the benefits
program, thus enabling ABD to provide advice to mitigate any negative consequence.
Working in concert with the City management and other employees or committees is essential
in providing comprehensive and accurate advice with respect to health and welfare plans.
Providing analysis of the pros and cons of each option serves all interests. The proposed team
would also alert the City to any potential legislative changes that could affect policies and
programs.
ABD will:
• Inform the City of emerging benefit trends and products and plan for their impact;
• Inform the City of pending government regulations and legislation and respond to the
potential effect on the City's plans;
• Provide timely communication materials explaining any significant changes;
• Review carrier contracts to assure current legislation is correctly stated.
ABD also provides regular Legislative Updates to our clients, as well as access to CyberSure,
our proprietary website which includes employee benefits and compliance research tools. For a
more complete description of these services, please see the response to Question #13 below.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 12
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
4. Attend meetings upon request of the City for the purpose of providing subject matter expertise
and reviewing services provided in items 1 through 3 above. Anticipate up to six separate
appearances in the first year of contracted services; thereafter, attendance should be limited to
two or three meetings per year.
ABD is willing to attend meetings with the City as a subject matter expert and to review any
relevant employee benefits topics and issues.
5. Provide consultation or other services as requested on any matter pertaining to the operation
of the City's employee benefit programs.
ABD's full service approach includes the spectrum of employee benefit programs. The intent of
ABD's service model is to minimize the burden of managing health and welfare benefits. Whether
it be education, analysis or bidding programs, ABD is positioned and fully capable of assisting the
City and its personnel. If actuarial services are required, ABD will outsource this need to Geoff
Kischuk of Total Compensation Systems.
6. Upon request of the City, potentially upon short notice, produce probable cost of actual or
hypothetical changes in one or more of the City's insurance programs.
ABD will accommodate the City's need to have hypothetical changes priced in an agreed-upon
timeframe.
7. Assist the City with preparation of specifications and requests for proposals to be submitted
to prospective carriers/providers of employee benefits.
An integral part of ABD's role in working with a client is to manage the renewal and potential
bid process. ABD will assemble bid specifications, identify qualified bidders, manage bidder
inquiries, analyze and condense submitted proposals, present findings with recommendations,
and prepare any type of executive summary that is required. This process would occur
annually for plan modifications or renewal bidding.
Once the program components have been evaluated and recommendations made for plan
modifications, alternatives would be assessed and developed. We would provide assistance
during the implementation of plan changes or modifications to the extent necessary to provide a
smooth transition.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 13
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Please see the following chart which outlines the vendor selection process.
Develop and assemble RFP specifications based on
the Client's Needs Assessment.
Identify all qualified carriers/vendors.
Submit RFP to all qualified carriers/vendors.
Manage vendor queries in an efficient and timely
manner, working closely with carriers/vendors to
ensure their proposals reflect requested parameters,
based on the plans they are able to offer.
Schedule carrier/vendor presentations and
demonstrations with the Client and ABD.
Determine agenda items.
Prepare interview questions.
Hold carrier/vendor finalist presentations with
the Client.
Evaluate presentations with the Client.
Analyze all submitted proposals to detemilne if
the Client's needs are met by carriers.
Follow up with carriers/vendors for missing
information.
Review proposals and evaluate responses based on
the criteria set by the Client and ABD.
Preliminary negotiations of fees and premiums
with carriers/vendors chosen for finalist stage.
Present findings with options and
recommendations to the Client.
Prepare the Client's senior management decision
support materials; meet with senior management
and HR staff.
Negotiate rate and performance guarantees with
final carriers/vendors.
Schedule site visits with carriers/vendors (if
necessary).
Check carrier/vendor references of active and
terminated clients.
Recommend caniers/vendors and confum costs.
8. Analyze proposals received from carriers in terms of premium, retention, policy provisions,
plan design, administrative services, financial strength, claims handling, customer service, and
stability of performance.
Our approach to benefit program design does not deviate from our main service philosophy - it
is based upon a three-way partnership between the City, ABD, and each carrier or vendor.
Armed with intensive market knowledge, comparative renewal data from other clients, records
of service performance issues and robust technical expertise, the City can be comfortable in the
knowledge that your ABD account team will be diligent in aggressively negotiating on your
behalf to provide a fair and competitive renewal.
Overall, we know that service performance and flexibility are key components of each carrier or
vendor relationship. We will assess if the carrier partner is fulfilling the City's appropriate level
of satisfaction in these areas on an ongoing basis. When carrier/vendor performance guarantees
abd
insgance
Answers. Not Excuses. 14
__-
financia
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
are in place, we will review each area of the agreement to assess whether or not the carrier has
met expectations. If they are not performing to the City's standards, we will strategize with you
to determine the appropriate course of action at the next renewal.
Together, the City, its Benefit Committee, and ABD will determine whether marketing your
benefit plan is warranted based on each carrier's current service performance, administrative or
network issues, and/or the City's budget expectations.
We will present the City with a comprehensive renewal report that includes:
■ Applicable month -by -month claims data, as available
■ Annual Enrollment and Demographic summary
■ Detailed renewal rate/cost calculations of insured and/or self-insured plans
■ Analysis of IBNR adjustment, if applicable
■ Rate history comparisons by plan
■ Total Projected Cost comparison by plan and Annual Projected Cost Comparison Roll -Up of
all plans (current vs. proposed vs. negotiated vs. options)
■ Employee Contribution Modeling / Accrual Rate Calculations
■ Summary of Performance Guarantee changes
■ Benefit Plan Options
■ Overview of current benefits and mandated benefit changes
■ Renewal and Open Enrollment Project Timeline
If, in addition, we conduct a marketing project, all applicable information will be included with
the renewal report. Please see Section VIII, Exhibit 3 for sample marketing analysis and reports.
9. Monitor, and participate in as necessary, the writing of insurance contracts in corporation
with the provider(s) and City.
ABD reviews all insurance contracts for accuracy as part of our renewal process, ensuring they
properly reflect eligibility and benefit provisions as agreed upon by the City and the provider.
10. Assist the City in administering its medical, self-insured dental, vision, LTD and life insurance
plans; respond to questions from, and provide information to City staff, settle claims disputes;
and provide other oversight services during the course of the contract.
ABD understands the importance of smooth ongoing plan administration. Our goal is to
provide full support to the City in this regard.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 15
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
■ We will help facilitate the information flow between carriers and the vendor through the
process.
■ We will assist in managing the implementation plan with the vendor to carefully ensure that
all tasks are being completed in a timely manner.
■ We will support the vendor in auditing the system to ensure accurate information is being
conveyed to the City.
ABD will monitor the vendors to ensure that processes are being handled correctly and that
appropriate auditing is being done to pass data along as accurately as possible. In addition, we
will continue to work with the vendor to obtain important reports used to analyze financial and
utilization data.
ABD associates consider themselves client advocates whose purpose is to ensure that a member
is being treated fairly, expeditiously, and is receiving the appropriate benefits. Any claim
dispute is thoroughly investigated before a response is provided. While the determination may
not always be favorable, it is not accepted until the facts have been reviewed.
11. Provide monthly eligible billing reconciliation services where appropriate.
ABD serves as the liaison between internal and external systems and processes for our clients in
order to ensure that these relationships are as smooth as possible. This helps to maintain the
quality and performance of vendor services that our clients deserve and expect. ABD will
review monthly billing and eligibility information as needed to resolve any discrepancies
between the City and the provider. Generally, the disputes are minimal and are most easily
resolved between the client and vendor. However, ABD is willing to intervene when necessary.
12. Participate in the development of a cost containment strategy for the City as required.
Aggressive cost control is a core service provided by ABD. We negotiate multiple -year rate
guarantees or rate caps when possible with the carriers to mitigate future benefit cost increases.
Additionally, as part of the renewal process, we review all existing contribution strategies and
provide alternatives to rebalance cost-sharing between the employer and employees.
13. Advise the City on performance and measurement standards for insurance companies and new
trends and developments in the employee benefit field, including state and federal legislation.
Through our solid relationships and market presence, ABD monitors our carrier partners'
service levels, financial stability and the accuracy of contracts and other materials provided.
This enables our clients to feel confident in the value of services provided. When issues do
arise, we address them immediately and serve as your advocate.
ABD's solemn promise to all of our client partners is to remain proactive, efficient, and effective
in keeping them abreast of ever changing regulatory and compliance issues. We believe well-
informed clients are satisfied clients. Our Employee Benefits department includes well-trained
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 16
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
benefits professionals dedicated to compliance services delivered under the direction of our in-
house ERISA staff attorney.
Our Compliance Department will provide the City with services to help manage and ensure
compliance with federal and state legislation. Our Compliance services include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Compliance Seminars & Newsletters
ABD routinely conducts legislative seminars in person or via webcast to keep our clients up-to-
date on federal and state requirements impacting employee benefits programs. In addition, we
host periodic seminars focusing on various developments within the health care industry.
Recently, we hosted a series of successful seminars on COBRA compliance as well as on the
causes of escalating health care costs and viable cost control alternatives. ABD also provides
our clients with monthly newsletters highlighting current benefit trends and explaining
proposed or pending legislation and its potential impact on employers.
Review of Plan Documents and Contracts
ABD will review all of the City's contracts, Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and plan
documents for welfare and fringe plans. Additionally, we will review plan administrator
processes to ensure compliance on a federal and state level.
Federal and State COBRA, HIPAA, FMLA Compliance
Your ABD account team will work with the City's carriers and vendors and/or train your staff
in the requirements and administration of COBRA and HIPAA regulations. Our Compliance
Department can also provide guidance or training for FMLA.
Section 125 and Flexible Spending Accounts
In addition to reviewing plan document and administrative procedures as stated above, our
Compliance Department can also perform non-discrimination testing for the City's Cafeteria
Plans and Flexible Plans.
CyberSure
The City's HR staff will have full access to CyberSure, our award winning, 24/7 online
employee benefits and human resources database. In addition to legislative updates, CyberSure
is home to valuable research and reference materials, market trends, and general product
information. It includes:
■ an HR Center designed for HR managers to access advice and ideas from Human
Resources consultants and Management experts;
■ a Human Resources Library housing decision -support tools such as checklists,
questionnaires, and surveys for the HR manager;
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 17
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
■ a Benefits Library loaded with everything from summary descriptions to detailed
overviews and sample forms on a variety of Employee Benefits topics like Cafeteria
Plans, COBRA administration, and HIPAA provisions.
Periodic legislative updates, newsletters pertaining to a broad range of employee benefits and
human resources issues, and invitations to various educational seminars are among the services
ABD provides as a broker/consultant. See Section VIII, Exhibit 4 for examples.
14. Review and evaluate periodic reports of claims experience and other statistical reports
submitted by insurance providers and report findings to the City.
ABD will review periodic claims experience and statistical data for the City to monitor the
performance of its benefit programs. We feel it is important for all involved parties to remain
informed of the plans' performance to avoid potentially unpleasant surprises at renewal.
15. Conduct bi-annual actuarial analyses of all self-insured programs, including recommendation
of appropriate premium rates and liability accounting data to meet GASB reporting
requirements.
As part of the renewal process, we review the experience of our clients' self-insured programs
and develop projected funding rates when required. For the City, ABD would provide the
following items and services:
• A bi-annual written report projecting adequate funding levels for all self-insured plans;
• Evaluation of overall premium levels, cost relationships between plans, and the financial
impact of proposed plan changes;
• Recommendations about reserve levels;
• Analysis and reporting to meet GASB requirements.
For more complete actuarial services, we would engage the services of an outside actuarial firm.
Geoff Kischuk, Principal of Total Compensation Systems, partners with ABD to provide
actuarial services to our clients. Please see Mr. Kischuk's information in Section V.
16. Participate in negotiations with carriers regarding premium rates and conditions and advise
the City accordingly.
ABD is fully aware that cost is a key factor in developing any strategic benefits plan and that
solid financial management is of critical importance to the City.
ABD specializes in servicing clients of the City's size. Our financial expertise and strong carrier
relationships have allowed us to achieve superior cost savings and deliver competitive
insurance rates, stop loss, and administrative fees to clients like the City for many years. We can
guarantee a comprehensive financial analysis and diligent effort to achieve the most cost
savings possible for the City.
abd financia insur__- -
Answers. Not Excuses. 18
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Financial management and analysis of claim and utilization data is a valuable cost control
service offered to the City by ABD. Our goal is to monitor and interpret key financial data to
guide the City in budget planning, renewal negotiation, and plan design. Our expertise in
servicing clients of the City's size allows us to understand the delicate balance you encounter
between embracing innovative strategies and finding practical solutions.
Our recommendations will always be based on our determination of the carriers and/or vendors
that present the best match for the City's overall objectives, including:
■ Evaluation of alternative funding mechanisms based on the City's risk tolerance
■ Carrier / Vendor's network access for all benefit plans
■ Ability of the carrier / vendor to control costs
■ Level of service, including claim and other related service performance guarantees
■ Administrative capabilities and flexibility
■ Carrier / Vendor's installation resources and track record
■ Needed data reporting capabilities and the carrier / vendor's demonstrated quality of care
initiatives
The approach taken in negotiating a renewal for a client is to obtain the lowest cost price for the
best benefits available but to keep an eye to the future. There is an obligation to ensure the
viability and to be able to sustain a benefits package. If the only objective is the lowest cost and
other issues are not examined, the benefits package can be unsatisfactory. Furthermore,
thoroughly examining the details of the benefits and providers when appropriate is equally as
important as the price.
Ultimately, it is ABD's job to exhaust all viable possibilities for a client — including providing an
in depth review of any cost change to ascertain whether it is warranted and providing backup
to the reasons why. The objective is to partner with a client in obtaining the best possible
program at the most cost effective price.
17. Attend, when requested, as a subject matter expert, negotiation sessions between the City and
employee bargaining units.
ABD is committed to understanding the needs of clients who are involved in the collective
bargaining process, which includes the ability to ask the Broker/Consultant to occasionally
participate as a technical expert in negotiation sessions. Our sizable number of municipal
clients has given ABD the opportunity to become well -versed in many aspects of
labor/management issues and our staff members regularly attend Insurance Committee
meetings for various clients in addition to negotiating sessions when requested. ABD personnel
assigned to the City's consulting team are experienced in providing technical expertise and
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 19
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
objective advice in the bargaining environment knowing the information being provided
directly affects the decision making process.
Almost without exception, ABD's municipal clients employ the use of Labor/Management
committees. The proposed team takes seriously their role as technical experts while
maintaining objectivity when working with Labor/Management committees. It is well
understood that choices will be recommended and negotiated based on the information
provided. Furthermore, it is recognized that a level of trust must be established so that the
information presented can be used without a question of integrity. The team being proposed
has first hand experience in working in this type of environment.
18. Assist the City in obtaining, preparing and distributing employee benefit plan literature and
materials and maintaining inventories of these materials.
From working closely with our client partners, ABD understands the vital importance of
conveying the appropriate message to employees about their benefits package. Each
communication piece we create combines our vast knowledge of the benefits world with a
strong understanding of HR needs and management's desire to generate positive reaction from
their employees.
ABD will work with the City and its vendors to develop appropriate benefit plan materials and
to maintain inventory as needed.
19. Assist the City in educating employees regarding the features of existing benefit programs,
implementing changes to existing programs, or implementing entirely new programs. This
includes preparing employee handbooks and/or descriptive literature and attending workshops
and meetings as necessary as determined by City staff.
Effective benefits education for employees and advocacy for employee issues require ample
time and resources, typically two commodities that an employer can spare the least. We
provide extensive assistance in this area. By improving employee understanding of their
benefits, we reduce employee inquiries. In addition, we are active and effective advocates for
employees when the normal channels of customer service aren't working. By having these
burdens taken on by ABD, the Benefits personnel are allowed the time to complete other
important tasks. In this way, many of our clients consider our account teams to be an extension
of their internal team.
Our highly valued services in this area of expertise are as follows:
Orchestrate Benefit Plan Enrollment & Implementation
During Open Enrollment, your ABD service team will ensure a well -executed and thoroughly
managed implementation of any carrier transitions, if applicable. We will instill confidence that
the enrollment process will go smoothly and that employees will have the information and tools
needed to thoroughly comprehend their benefits and the overall value of their benefits
program.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 20
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Our Open Enrollment and implementation services include:
■ Work with the Insurance Committee and/or designated personnel to establish Open
Enrollment strategy
■ Coordinate scheduling and conduct meetings and/or conference calls for Open Enrollment
or new plan implementation
■ Coordinate with carriers to provide needed benefit plan enrollment materials and meeting
representatives, when appropriate
■ Draft various employee communication materials (Announcement memos, benefit
summaries, decision guides, new plan highlights, etc.) as well as PowerPoint presentation(s)
■ Monitor delivery of new ID cards
■ Facilitate carrier administrative training meetings
■ Provide assistance with Open Enrollment questions/issues
Facilitate Employee Education
Open enrollment meetings, quarterly brown -bag seminars and quarterly benefits
communication pieces, where appropriate, can be practical means of educating the City's
employees on their benefits program and ways to maintain health. ABD will partner with the
City's Personnel Department and Benefits Committee to establish a creative and consistent
annual communication strategy and campaign delivered via a variety of media avenues.
We also know that in the twenty-first century, successful communication packages require
delivery from a wide variety of media to ensure that the company message is communicated
efficiently and effectively. ABD is prepared and equipped to communicate with the City's
employees using various media, ranging from paper to electronic, from web conferencing to
face-to-face employee group meetings. Examples of our client communications are attached in
Section VIII, Exhibit 5.
20. Additional services that will be included without additional cost.-
The
ost.
The proposal provided to the City is a full service model. ABD is willing to consult with the City
on all matters pertaining to health and welfare benefits, act as a liaison between vendors and the
City or individual members, manage the bidding and renewal process, prepare open enrollment
materials, as needed, etc. The intent of ABD's services is to minimize the City's burdens in this
area.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 21
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
V. STAFF QUALIFICATIONS
Detail firm's experience and experience of staff member(s) proposed to serve the City.
Linda Hunter, Executive Vice President, is the regional manager for the Sacramento Employee
Benefits Division of ABD. She provides oversight and executive level support as needed for all
issues related to our clients.
Terri Ezaki, Vice President of Employee Benefit Services, will serve as the City's Lead
Consultant, providing general oversight and strategic planning. Terris experience in the public
sector and union environment dates back to 1990. She initially worked with Taft -Hartley Trust
plans through her experience with a national managed care company. Terri was introduced to
the public sector in 1992 and has continued to develop her expertise on the
brokerage/consulting side since 1994. She and her team members provide all materials for
insurance committee meetings and serve as experts when needed for bargaining sessions.
Each member understands the importance of providing clear, concise information at all times
because the data is used during negotiations. Furthermore, it is understood that health and
welfare benefits continue to play an important role in the compensation of employees and the
team is sensitive to the fact that these are bargained issues. There is a comfort level with the
decision-making process and a respect for each step that needs to be taken. Experience has
taught that decisions are made only after all alternatives are fully explored and understood.
Currently, Terri and her colleagues work with approximately 20 public sector clients, each with
varying numbers of bargaining units. They have developed an ability to build a rapport with
both management and labor by providing unparalleled energy in providing the highest level of
service and expertise.
Leean Dessaussois, Account Manager, will assist in carrier negotiations, benefit analysis and the
presentation and explanation of plan benefits. Leean's experience is unparalleled when it
comes to working with public sector clients. With her dogged determination and attention to
detail, Leean has assisted her clients with untangling complex billing issues, resulting in
streamlined procedures and immediate credits. Leean will be assisted by Tricia Szostak.
Professional biographies for the City of Lodi's core consulting team appear on the following
pages. A list of ABD's public sector employers is located in Section VIII, Exhibit 1.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 22
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
The account service team who would be working directly with the City's personnel is listed
below:
Team Member
Contact Info.
Responsibilities
Years
Experience
Linda Hunter
Ph: 916-566-2802
Has ultimate responsibility for all
30
Executive Vice
Fax: 916-566-2999
aspects of the Sacramento Employee
President
lmh@abdi.com
Benefits Division. Is involved in
upper-level strategic, key and
financial issues.
Terri Ezaki
Ph: 916-566-2827
Has ultimate responsibility for the
24
Vice President
Fax: 916-566-2999
delivery of all ABD services. Directs
tfe@abdi.com
the Account Team. Involved in
strategic, key and financial issues.
Julie Thorstensen
Ph: 916-566-2880
Responsible for daily account
24
Account Executive
Fax: 916-566-2999
management with particular focus
ilt@abdi.com
on strategic planning, renewal
negotiations, plan marketing,
financial analysis & contract review.
Leean Dessaussois
Ph: 916-566-2831
Works collaboratively on
23
Account Manager
Fax: 916-566-2999
administrative issues, claims
lmd@abdi.com
resolution, communication,
enrollment and marketing.
Tricia Szostak
Ph: 916-566-2858
Works collaboratively with the rest
20
Account
Fax: 916-566-2999
of team members on a variety of
Coordinator
sz@abdi.com
functions.
Kristine Blanco, Esq.
Available via
Provides oversight in the review and
7
Compliance
Sacramento account
necessary remediation of all health
Manager
team
and welfare compliance matters.
Diane Christian,
Available via
Works collaboratively with account
13
CEBS
Sacramento account
team members to market benefit
Marketing Analyst
team
plans and develop competitive
benefit package options.
Sidney DiDomenico
Available via
Works collaboratively with account
18
Technology
Sacramento account
team members to implement online
Consultant
team
services for clients.
Geoff Kischuck,
Actuarial Support
Works with account team to provide
16
FSA, MAAA, FCA -
actuarial analyses of clients' benefit
Total Compensation
plans as needed.
Systems
abd
Answers. Not Excuses. 23
se
financia
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Linda Hunter ♦ Executive V.P., Employee Benefit Services
Professional Highlights:
Prior to forming Total Benefit Solutions as the result of a 1995 merger with A.S. Benz and
Associates, Linda was President of her own company, Compensation Planning Group, for ten
years. She has been instrumental to clients for over thirty years in evaluating and implementing
all aspects of employee benefits including Employee Assistance Programs, establishing annual
Health Fairs, coordinating and communicating Flexible Benefits programs and offering
voluntary benefits such as Long Term Disability, Supplemental Life and Long Term Care.
Areas of Expertise:
As a result of her extensive experience in the industry, Linda is thoroughly familiar with and
knowledgeable in all facets of underwriting, plan design, benefits communication and benefit
administration. She has extensive experience with all funding mechanisms including minimum
premium, Administrative Services Only and Cost Plus funding arrangements and carrier
negotiation. Her wide range of professional experience allows her to provide our clients with
the expertise required to implement and maintain an employee benefits program that achieves
each employer's goals and objectives.
Qualifications / Industry Activities:
• 30 years industry experience.
• State Licensed for Life, Disability, Health Insurance.
• Long Term Care Certification.
• California State University.
• Risk Management, Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plans, COBRA Laws Capitation Contracts,
Employee Benefit Law certificates.
• Past President, Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU).
• Member, Board of California Health Underwriters Association.
• Past President, Greater Sacramento Employee Benefits Counsel.
• National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) member.
• Sacramento Association of Life Underwriters (SALU) member.
• Past member of the Foundation Board of the Stanford Home.
• Annual Guest Lecturer - CSUS Upper Division Insurance Department courses.
• Life member of Who's Who, National Registry.
• Named to Elite Who's Who of Outstanding Female Executives, 2000.
• Member, Board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Sacramento.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 24
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Terri Ezaki ♦ Vice President, Emnlovee Benefit Services
Professional Highlights:
Terri Ezaki has over twenty-four years of experience in the healthcare industry. Her combined
industry experience provides Terri with the foundation for a well-rounded ability to be an
effective advocate for the clients she represents at ABD Insurance and Financial Services. She
has been employed with ABD Insurance and Financial Services (formerly Total Benefit
Solutions) since November 1994.
Areas of Expertise:
Terri's management skills and contributions include an ability to efficiently resolve critical
issues, provide informed and objective counsel regarding all aspects of carrier selections and
negotiations and direct the implementation and marketing of new programs. Her extensive
carrier and provider knowledge make her instrumental in the decision making process our
clients go through to in order to seek change. Her dedication and determination in meeting
clients' needs has won her the respect of her clients and professional peers.
Qualifications and Community Activities:
• 24 years industry experience.
• State Licensed for Life, Disability, Health Insurance.
• Long Term Care Certification.
• B.S., Business Management, Golden Gate University, 2002.
• Continuing Education in COBRA, Capitation Contracts, Medicare.
• Working towards completion of the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (C.E.B.S.)
designation.
• Former Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) Board Member.
• 1998 CASBO Conference Leisure and Transportation Chairperson.
• 1998-99 Associate Member Liaison, CASBO Sacramento Section.
• Former board member of the Greater Sacramento Employee Benefits Council.
• Previous broker advisory participant for Omni and PacifiCare.
• Sacramento Junior League member.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 25
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Julie Thorstensen ♦ Account Executive
Professional Highlights:
Julie Thorstensen has over twenty-four years of experience in employee benefits and the health
care industry. Julie started her career with a major life insurance carrier where she developed a
strong background in customer service, administration and brokerage services in addition to
understanding the principles of the disability and life contracts. To expand on the employee
benefits knowledge she then worked for Compensation Planning Group coordinating the
marketing, underwriting, carrier negotiations, benefits auditing and analysis reviews on behalf
of her insured and self-funded clients. This knowledge has been carried forward with the
merger of Compensation Planning Group to Total Benefit Solutions and then to ABD.
Areas of Expertise:
Julie primarily works the Private Sector of the marketplace, with a client base ranging from the
small employer to the large employer (1-40,000+) and association business. The mixed client
base gives rise to expertise in all facets of the employee benefit programs as well as the laws and
regulations governing the plans. Her industry and market knowledge combined with the
determination to meeting her clients' needs is instrumental in obtaining new as well as retaining
existing business.
Qualifications / Industry Activities:
• 24 years industry experience.
• State Licensed for Life, Disability, Health Insurance.
• Long Term Care Certification.
• California State University.
• Working towards completion of the Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS)
designation.
• Former member of Greater Sacramento Employee Benefits Council.
• Technical Forum Committee for GSEBC - 2 years.
• The International Foundation of Employee Benefits Council member.
• Sacramento Association of Health Underwriters (SAHU) member and volunteer.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 26
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Leean Dessaussois ♦ Account Manager
Professional Highlights:
Ms. Dessaussois has 23 years experience in the employee benefits industry working with large
and small third party administrators. Leean has been gaining experience in the employee
benefits and health care industries since 1984. She has extensive experience with both public
and private sector large groups. As Account Manager, she assists in carrier negotiations, benefit
analysis and the presentation and explanation of plan benefits to clients and employees.
Areas of Expertise:
Leean has extensive experience working with all aspects of the administration of health plans --
billing, eligibility, premium accounting, and claims adjudication. In addition, Her
responsibilities of presenting and explaining benefits and plan designs to employees as well
resolving difficult claim, eligibility and billing issues have transitioned nicely to her current
position as an advocate for employer groups.
Qualifications & Activities:
• 23 years industry experience.
• B.A., California State University, Sacramento.
• Certificate of Award from the Health Insurance Association of America for Group Life and
Health Insurance Parts A, B, and C.
• State Licensed for Life, Disability, Health Insurance.
• Working towards completion of the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (C.E.B.S.)
designation.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 27
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Tricia Szostak ♦ Account Coordinator
Professional Highlights:
Tricia has broad knowledge and experience in Managed Care. She has worked in insurance
claim offices holding positions from customer service representative and claims examiner to
billing and eligibility management. She has worked with employer groups, developing strong
business relationships due to her dedication and ability to resolve issues and answer questions
quickly and accurately.
Areas of Expertise:
Tricia can present benefits and plan designs in a clear and concise manner to employees. She
has a strong background in resolving claim, eligibility and billing issues and can assist
employer groups in many areas.
Qualifications & Activities:
• 20+ years experience in Managed Care.
• State Licensed for Life, Disability and Health Insurance (in progress).
abd insur
Answers. Not Excuses. 28
_—_ ancia
fin
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Diane Christian, CEBS ♦ Marketing Analyst
Professional Highlights:
Diane Christian has over twelve years of experience in the employee benefits industry. As
Marketing Analyst, Diane works with our account staff and the insurance carriers to develop
comprehensive, competitive options for our clients. Ms. Christian has been employed by ABD
Insurance and Financial Services since September, 1997.
Areas of Expertise:
Previous experience in account management for both public and private sector clients has given
Diane valuable knowledge necessary to succeed in her position. As our primary liaison to
many carrier representatives, Diane has built relationships helpful in finding creative benefit
options for our clients. Her organizational abilities enable Diane to efficiently and effectively
provide information in a manner that is meaningful to our clients.
Qualifications / Community Activities:
• 12 years industry experience.
• B.A., Political Science, University of California, Berkeley.
• Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (C.E.B.S.).
• State Licensed for Life, Disability and Health Insurance.
• Health Insurance Associate (H.I.A.), Managed Healthcare Professional (M.H.P.), and Health
Care Anti -Fraud Associate designations from AHIP, previously HIAA.
• Long Term Care Certification.
abd financia insur__-
Answers. Not Excuses. 29
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
Kristine Blanco. EsQ. ♦ Compliance Manager
Professional Highlights:
Ms. Blanco practiced law for seven years before joining ABD in April, 2006. Previously
employed by Seyfarth Shaw LLP, a national, management -side labor and employment law firm,
she was a member of the Employee Benefits/ERISA litigation practice group and represented
employers, ERISA plans, plan administrators, and church plans in state and federal courts. She
also provided advice and counsel to employers on a wide range of employment issues
including hiring and termination procedures, leave policies, harassment and discrimination
prevention, and administration of employee benefits. Kristine was a frequent speaker on these
topics, including recent presentations on domestic partnership law, employee discharge and
discipline, leave laws, and a year-end review of relevant court decisions.
Qualifications:
• B.A., International Relations, University of California, Davis.
• J.D., University of Arizona.
• Member of the Sacramento County Bar Association Labor & Employment Law section.
• Board Member, Sacramento County Bar Association Barristers' Club.
• Past Board Member, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Sacramento.
• Licensed to practice law in California and North Carolina.
abd insur__-
ance financia
Answers. Not Excuses. 30
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
In addition to the core account service team assigned to the City of Lodi, the following
individuals are available to provide assistance as needed:
Sidney DiDomenico, Technology Consultant
Ms. DiDomenico is responsible for working with ABD's account service staff and clients in
developing and implementing online tools for the benefit of both Human Resources staff and
the employee population. She serves as a liaison with our clients to design customized benefit
communication platforms and self-service online vehicles. Additionally, Ms. DiDomenico sits
on an advisory committee for BenefitPoint, the industry's premier centralized internet database.
Geoff Kischuk, Principal, Total Compensation Systems
Mr. Kischuk has been the principal of Total Compensation Systems for 16 years. He specializes
in health actuarial services and has done extensive work with California public employers.
abd financia insur_--
Answers. Not Excuses. 31
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
VI. COMPENSATION
Schedule of compensation based on a three (3) year agreement with renewal to be negotiated.
Compensation shall be structured as follows:
a) Consulting services — proposed maximum annual fee for services rendered as outlined in
the Scope of Work.
ABD Insurance and Financial Services agrees to accept the annual fee of $25,000 as full
remuneration for performing all services and furnishing all staffing and materials necessary for
fulfillment of the duties outlined including travel expenses unless stated otherwise.
The fee has been calculated using the following assumptions:
1. Six (6) meetings held Year One; three (3) meetings held Year Two;
2. Each meeting will require 4-5 hours including travel.
b) Plan Change Implementation services — in the event the City decides to proceed with
significant plan changes — particularly in the medical benefits arena — the broker may be
required to provide additional research, meeting times, presentations, and staff hours to
ensure successful implementation. The broker shall identify the types of benefits plan
changes which will require these fees, and shall propose a Plan Change Implementation
services fee schedule — flat fee basis only.
If ABD were requested to market and potentially implement an alternative to the Ca1PERS
medical program, ABD would:
• Work with the City to gather census data to bid the medical program;
• Compile results in a format that will provide for the best results during the market
process;
• Prepare agreed upon bid specifications to include:
• Benefits to mimic current Ca1PERS medical (e.g. HMO with PPO alternatives)
• PPO only programs
• Exploration of partial funding and fully insured options
• Compile results in a format that can be presented to the City's management and
respective bargaining groups;
• Comparison of provider networks, benefits and costs would be completed;
• Prepare materials for meetings that will assist with the understanding of the
Ca1PERS program and what it would mean to leave Ca1PERS;
• If requested, explore administrators who would replace the current ACE system and
retiree billing;
• Implement any changes in tandem with City personnel.
abd insur__-
financia Answers. Not Excuses. 32
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
It is anticipated that a minimum of seven (7) meetings would take place prior to a decision
being made. If the City decided to exit CalPERS, an additional minimum of three (3) meetings
would take place.
For the services described, ABD would request an additional fee of $25,000, making total
compensation to ABD $50,000.
c) Biannual actuarial study for self-insured programs — flat fee basis only.
Funding projections will be included. If services require an actuary, the fee will be on a pass-
through basis. Based on the Scope of Services, it is not anticipated that actuarial services will be
required.
d) For services rendered to the City, the broker may be entitled to commission and service
allowances paid by insurance carriers in connection with the City's insurance programs.
However, any such commission or service allowance shall serve to offset the maximum
annual fee.
ABD agrees to collect commissions to offset the agreed upon annual fee in (a). An annual
reconciliation would occur no later than three (3) months following anniversary.
abd
insu,ance
Answers. Not Excuses. 33
_--
ancia
fin
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
VII. LIABILITY COVERAGE
Identify type and coverage amounts for firm's own liability coverages, errors and omissions
policy, and workers' compensation.
A copy of ABD's current insurance certificate for general liability, errors and omissions, and
workers' compensation coverage is located in Section VIII, Exhibit 6.
abd insurancfinancia
Answers. Not Excuses. 34
City of Lodi
Response to Request for Proposal
VIII. EXHIBITS
ABD Compensation Disclosure
ABD Public Sector Client List
Marketing Analysis & Report Samples
Technology Tools:
CyberSure Overview
Legislative Update
ABD Connect Overview
Sample Communication Materials
ABD Certificate of Liability Insurance
EXHIBITS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW IN THE CITY OF LODI HUMAN
RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
abd financia insur_—_
Answers. Not Excuses. 35
EXHIBIT B
Schedule of compensation based on a three (3) year agreement with renewal to be negotiated.
Compensation shall be structured as follows:
a) Consulting services — proposed maximum annual fee for services rendered as outlined in
the Scope of Work.
ABD Insurance and Financial Services agrees to accept the annual fee of $25,000 as full
remuneration for performing all services and furnishing all staffing and materials necessary for
fulfillment of the duties outlined including travel expenses unless stated otherwise.
The fee has been calculated using the following assumptions:
1. Six (6) meetings held Year One; three (3) meetings held Year Two;
2. Each meeting will require 4-5 hours including travel.
b) Plan Change Implementation services — in the event the City decides to proceed with
significant plan changes — particularly in the medical benefits arena — the broker may be
required to provide additional research, meeting times, presentations, and staff hours to
ensure successful implementation. The broker shall identify the types of benefits plan
changes which will require these fees, and shall propose a Plan Change Implementation
services fee schedule — flat fee basis only.
If ABD were requested to market and potentially implement an alternative to the Ca1PERS
medical program, ABD would:
• Work with the City to gather census data to bid the medical program;
• Compile results in a format that will provide for the best results during the market
process;
• Prepare agreed upon bid specifications to include:
• Benefits to mimic current Ca1PERS medical (e.g. HMO with PPO alternatives)
• PPO only programs
• Exploration of partial funding and fully insured options
• Compile results in a format that can be presented to the City's management and
respective bargaining groups;
• Comparison of provider networks, benefits and costs would be completed;
• Prepare materials for meetings that will assist with the understanding of the
Ca1PERS program and what it would mean to leave Ca1PERS;
• If requested, explore administrators who would replace the current ACE system and
retiree billing;
0 Implement any changes in tandem with City personnel.
It is anticipated that a minimum of seven (7) meetings would take place prior to a decision
being made. If the City decided to exit Ca1PERS, an additional minimum of three (3) meetings
would take place.
For the services described, ABD would request an additional fee of $25,000, making total
compensation to ABD $50,000.
c) Biannual actuarial study for self-insured programs — flat fee basis only.
Funding projections will be included. If services require an actuary, the fee will be on a pass-
through basis. Based on the Scope of Services, it is not anticipated that actuarial services will be
required.
d) For services rendered to the City, the broker may be entitled to commission and service
allowances paid by insurance carriers in connection with the City's insurance programs.
However, any such commission or service allowance shall serve to offset the maximum
annual fee.
ABD agrees to collect commissions to offset the agreed upon annual fee in (a). An annual
reconciliation would occur no later than three (3) months following anniversary.
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-225
A RESOLUTION OF THE LODI CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH ABD
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR BENEFIT
ADMINISTRATION CONSULTING SERVICES
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Lodi
hereby authorizes the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement with
ASD Insurance & Financial Services for benefit administration consulting services; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this contract shall not exceed the amount of
$25,000.
Dated: December 20, 2006
I hereby certify that Resolution No. 2006-225 was passed and adopted by the
City Council of the City of Lodi in a regular meeting held December 20, 2006, by the
following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - Hansen, Hitchcock, Katzakian, Mounce,
and Mayor Johnson
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS - None
R I JOHL
City Clerk
2006-225