1. Washington Counties Insurance Fund Joining a Multi-Employer Health Plan – What to Consider Presented by Jon Kaino, Executive Director, WCIF

2. About WCIF The Washington Counties Insurance Fund (WCIF) was established in 1958 by the Washington State Association of Counties. WCIF provides coverage for over 100 participating employer groups and 15,000 member employees plus their dependents, as well as providing coverage for our members retirees and COBRA participants.

3. What is a Multi-Employer Health Plan? Association Health Plan (AHP) Group of employers joining together to provide employee health & welfare benefits Health Care Reform mandates Multi-Employer plans to meet specific requirements to maintain rating status

4. Impact of Health Care Reform on Multi-Employer Health Plans Criteria to be considered a True Employer Health & Welfare Benefit Plan aka bonafide plan Determination made by OIC, DOL, and HHS Bonafide plans maintain large group rating and plan design flexibility WCIF determined to be bonafide by the OIC

5. Benefits of Multi-Employer Plans - Rates Purchasing power of a larger group Greater rate stability of a larger group Large claims have less impact on premiums

6. Benefits of Multi-Employer Plans - Flexibility Self-governance provides for member input and decision making authority Plans designed to fit membership Participating employers and their employees have more plan choices All benefits available – one stop shop for medical, dental, vision, life, disability and EAP

7. Benefits of Multi-Employer Plans - Administration Combined billing, online eligibility and enrollment Free training for employer HR/payroll staff Compliance information and direction (PPACA, HIPAA, etc.) On-site open enrollment for employees COBRA and Retiree plan administration Service and advocacy Wellness administration Reduced staff workload

8. Potential Drawbacks to Joining a Multi-Employer Plan Employer demographic may not be conducive to some plans Public demographic is generally older (recession impacts) Withdrawal notice requirements can be rigid

9. Conclusion Multi-Employer Health plans provide many services and product choices that may not be available on individual employer plans. They also provide a degree of purchasing power and rate stability not available to many small to medium size employers. May not always be the lowest rate, but could be the best long term value. The size, demographic, health and location of your group are all determining factors in deciding if a Multi-Employer Plan is right for your group.

10. Thank you for your time

11. For more information, please contact the WCIF office at: 800.344.8570 or visit us online at: www.wcif.net