The meeting minutes from the May 2, 2025, FRIC meeting will be discussed and approved at the next FRIC meeting in August.

DRAFT FRIC Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2025
Zoom Meeting
11:30 AM

Members present:  Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Josey Bathke, Mary Charlton, George Hospodarsky, Dan Katz+, Cormac O’Sullivan, Anya Prince, Angela Speers, Anand Vijh, Matthew Watson, Michael Weaver, Chuck Wieland
*Co-chairs; +Minutes
Members absent: Richard Peter
Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson
Visitors present: Audra Haddy, Erin Litton, Cheryl Reardon, Julie Sexton, Cheri Smith, Dana Stafford, Jessica Wade, Megan Threlkeld, Melissa Twait, Kate Klefstad, James Jorris, Alex Mersch, Lisa Mascardo, Michael Brownlee, John Reitz,  William Silverman

1.    Introductions – Urmie 
a.    Roll call taken, quorum established

2.    Approval of April meeting minutes – Urmie
a.    Cormac O’Sullivan moved to approve
b.    Second: Chuck Wieland
c.    April minutes approved unanimously

3.    Announcements—Troester
a.    A special FRIC rate setting meeting is planned for Augus 6, 2025 from 12-1 pm.
b.    UI Human Resources identified discrepancies to IPERS retirement earnings codes dating back to FLSA changes.  The HR system has now been corrected. Fewer than 1000 employees were affected with either over or under reported wages. The amount was generally less than $200.00. Those affected were notified. Corrections to IPERS contributions involve reimbursing members in the case of over-reported wages or making contributions in the case of under-reported wages.

4.    Specialty Pharmacy Annual Presentation – Alex Mersch and Lisa Mascardo from the UI Health Care Pharmacy
a.    The UI Benefits – UIHC Specialty Partnership began in 2019
b.    The Benefits-Pharmacy relationship helps members by enhancing care, reducing costs, helping with drug access and copay advocacy, helps integrate care, and provides higher member satisfaction. Data were provided to support these points.
c.    National trends have remained steady with about 50 new drug approvals per year, half of which are first in class
d.    New drugs will increase costs, while adoption of biosimilars will potentially reduce costs.
e.    The Humira biosimilar transition occurred in 2024 and while it has resulted in savings, notable patient challenges were changes to copay assistance and replacements for when the delivery system misfires. Ninety-eight percent of Humira prescriptions were converted to the biosimilar resulting in an estimated 8.5 million savings to the plan. 
f.    Stelara is due to convert to biosimilar in 2025 and planning for the conversion has been better than with Humira.
g.    Pharmacy services expansion was highlighted such as with service to the other healthcare campuses and ongoing copay and insurance navigation services.
h.    The pharmacy’s support of the GLP-1 Pilot Program was noted.
i.    Enhanced pharmacy-patient communication via a new texting option was described.
j.    Charts showing pharmacy claims and spend were presented that show overall steady growth in both areas, although 2024 costs seemed to level off in the 3rd and 4th quarters perhaps attributable to the Humira biosimilar conversion.
k.    The main medical indication for specialty medications is autoimmunity/inflammatory disease. The new drug for migraines is driving higher usage trends in neurology compared with past years.
l.    The Specialty Pharmacy is licensed to dispense in 9 states in addition to Iowa.

5.    Mission Cancer Overview – Mike Brownlee
a.    The University of Iowa purchased Mission Cancer and Blood in late 2024 to expand the University’s oncology footprint in the state. The partnership with Mission is expected to help address the high and rising cancer rates in Iowa, expand access to cancer care, and help keep cancer care local.
b.    Mission’s core facilities are near Des Moines. Seventeen outreach facilities service 1.5 million people, mostly in south-central Iowa.
c.    Only medical oncology services are covered. (i.e. no surgery or radiology)
d.    There are 7,000 patient visits and 4,000 chemo infusions per month at Mission facilities.
e.    Patients have access to clinical trials.
f.    There is a unique practice structure with technical staff belonging to UI Health Care and Professional staff leased to UI Health care.

6.    GLP-1 Pilot Update -- Troester
a.    The Pilot is proceeding well. Drug supply remains adequate.
b.    As expected, there has been some study attrition. Of 494 study entrants, 446 remain enrolled. Most drop-out so far is due to misunderstanding that the participant was still responsible for study drug costs through the plan.
c.    180 patients have completed the Wondr Health phase of the Pilot plan.
d.    Joni Troester thanked committee members involved with the Pilot for their hard work.

7.    RFIC Update – Troester
a.    The go-live date for the retirement plan modernization changes remains September 2025. Several communications and seminars for participants leading up to the go-live are planned for the spring and summer.

8.    Communication Update – Olson 
a.    UI Benefits communication on understanding your health plan and provider networks is scheduled for the April 17th Iowa Now.  Courtesy copy will be shared with FRIC members.

9.    2026 Dental Plan design Changes --Olson
a.    The Committee continued discussion on previously proposed dental plan changes.
b.    The purpose of the changes is to offset real and projected losses occurring with dental plan coverage.
c.    Additional information to support decision making was shared.
d.    An increase in deductibles for Premier from $15.00 to $30.00 and from $15.00 to $50.00 for Non-Participating Networks was proposed.
e.    The Committee discussed the proposal.
f.    Chuck Wieland moved to approve the proposed deductible rate increases as described under item d.
g.    Second: Cormac O’Sullivan
h.    Vote: unanimously approved

10.    Access Report –Troester
a.    With a goal of 90% of patients seen within 10 days, primary care is meeting the metric, specialty and tertiary care are not. Trends remain steady. Problematic waiting times were noted for dermatology, GI and Dentistry. The committee discussed updating the 10-day metric to split out primary care and urgent/quick care.

11.    Motion to adjourn: Wieland. Second: O’Sullivan
12.    Next meeting May 2, 2025 11:30 am.
 

DRAFT FRIC MEETING MINUTES
March 7, 2025
Zoom Meeting
1130 AM

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Anya Prince, Daniel Katz, Angela Speers, Chuck Wieland, George Hospodarsky, Matthew Watson, Mary Charlton+, Michael Weaver, Josey Bathke, Cormac O’Sullivan

Members absent: Richard Peter, Anand Vijh

*Co-chairs; +Minutes

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheryl Reardon, Julie Sexton, Cheri Smith, Dana Stafford, Melissa Twait, Megan Threlkeld, Justin Fraase, Kara Wright, Lena Peterson, Neil Christiansen, Keri Semrau, John Reitz, Audra Haddy, Brit Marcussen, Erin Litton

1.    Introductions/Roll Call– Urmie and Laverty
•    Roll call was taken at 11:31 am
2.    Approval of February meeting minutes – Urmie and Laverty
a.    Wieland motioned to approve, Watson seconded. February minutes were approved unanimously with no edits

3.    Patient Automation Scheduling Tools – PAC Representatives, UI Health Care: Neil Christiansen (Operations Director in PAC), Keri Semrau (Director, Clinical Services PAC), Lena Peterson (Project Manager in PAC)
Direct Scheduling – MyChart users can schedule a return visit, takes 4 clicks, 56,732 appointments scheduled 1/1/24-2/28/25.
Open Scheduling – Can schedule a new visit with someone you have not seen before. Not all areas are live with open scheduling. Either start out on webpage or provider profile pages. 2,126 have scheduled online (mostly primary care).
Ticket Scheduling - Epic takes a provider’s order and automatically makes a scheduling ticket that notifies the patient to schedule an appointment in MyChart. 26,531 tickets (not people) have been scheduled through this mechanism. Mostly labs, primary care and imaging.
Fast Pass – a way to get on a waitlist for a sooner appointment than the one that is scheduled. Average gain in days = 37 days sooner. 17,038 offers accepted.
Decision Trees – Epic functionality running in the background that directs the patient or scheduler through the scheduling process to schedule the right visit with the right provider.
4.    Updates
a.    GLP1 Pilot  – Troester
Providers
-    Select group of Health Care Weight Management (5 providers) and Sports Medicine Providers (2)
Health Care Specialty Pharmacy
-    Dispensing by mail to participants home or pick up at designated pharmacy 
-    Supply adequate- Zepbound supply remains higher and preferred for supply
Behavior Modification- WondrHealth
-    388 invites (~100 in each cohort- Jan, Feb, March and April)
Enrollment
-    495 participants started pilot on Jan 1
-    As of March 1: 465 remain active (20 self removed, 10 not eligible)
-    192 initial clinical visits in Jan and Feb
Scheduling
-    PAC contacted all 495 by Feb 1, 2025
Workflows
- Attestation and Coverage by exception working as expected
Feedback
-    Participant feedback visa survey a 6, 12, 18, and 24 months from pilot start date 1/1/25
-    Provider feedback via survey at 12 and 24 months from pilot start date 1/1/25
Research opportunities:
-    Research opportunities through the College of Public Health, Family Medicine, Weight Management Clinic, College of Dentistry

b.    Retirement Fund Investment Committee – Troester
-    New investment management consultant CAPTRUST is reviewing fund line up opportunities for enhancements to our plans. 
-    Tentative Timeline on Proposed Changes
-    RFIC voted to approve enhancements at the 12/12/24 meeting
-    Transition Team established with UI/TIAA/CAPTRUST – First meeting on 2/10/25
-    Campus change management communication –May 2025
-    Direct Communication to participants – late July 2025 through Aug
-    On site and virtual seminars and appointments provided by TIAAA- Aug and September 2025 and September go live date for changes – Sept 2025

5.    Plan Design Review and Recommendations for 2026
a.    Dental
-    Current coverage includes $15 annual deductible launched 1/1/25; Still running at a net loss for January 2025.
-    Suggestion from the committee to model a scaled deductible for premier and non-participating networks to incentivize in-network providers (i.e. $30/$50)
-    Projected savings over $700k over 30k covered individuals.

-    Dentists in PPO ($0 deductible option)
-    Number – 5
-    Geography – within 20 miles of Johnson and Linn Counties
-    Members using each network
-    PPO Network – 33%
-    Premier Network – 64%
-    Out of network – 3%

-    Need to examine additional months of 2025 data to assess stabilization, since expenses can vary month to month. We have also brought on more employees (Downtown Campus, Mission) 
-    Decision to hold off on a vote until next month.

b.    Health – Current Medical Plan Out-of-Pocket Maximums (OPMs) have been in effect for over 2 calendar years. Next opportunity to implement changes will be after three calendar years (2026). Three options were presented based on the discussion and requests for additional information from the meeting last month:

Option #1 – Dollar Change (easiest to communicate and for plan members to remember)
UIChoice
-    Proposed changes would increase OPMs for level 1&2 by $300 and $600 for single and family members respectively
-    Level 3 would increase by $500 and $1000 respectively
UISelect
-    Increase OPMs $400 and $700 for single and family respectively for level 1
-    Increase OPMs $600 and $1100 for single and family respectively for level 2
Total estimated annual plan savings with proposed OPM:
-    UIChoice $225k/764 members
-    UISelect $23k/64 members

Option #2 – Percentage Change
UIChoice
-    Increase by 15% for levels 1 & 2
-    Increase by 20% for level 3
UISelect
-    Increase by 17.4% for Level 1 (single)
-    Increase by 17.5% for Level 1 (family)
-    Increase by 17.1% for Level 2 (single)
-    Increase by 15.7% for Level 2 (family)

Option #3 – Consistent Percentage Change
UIChoice
-    Increase by 15% for levels 1 & 2
-    Increase by 20% for level 3
UISelect
-    Increase by 15% for Level 1 (single and family)
-    Increase by 20% for Level 2 (single and family)
End up with an OPM of $2645 for single. Preference is for OPMs in increments of $100 so people can remember them better.

Motion to approve Option #1 for 2026 Plan year
Josey Bathke motioned to approve
John Laverty seconded the motion
Unanimous vote to approve the motion

6.    Communication – Olson
a. Opening of the new North Liberty campus
-    UI Healthcare plans to communicate the opening of the North Liberty campus and re-communicate how to use the Medical Center Downtown (MCD) site.
-    In coordination, UI Benefits will communicate a reminder of know your health plan coverage and plan providers.  
-    UI Benefits has shared draft communication with UI Healthcare and will be finalizing in the next month while coordinating that communication with UI Healthcare. Once finalized it will be shared with FRIC.
b.    Enhancement to the UIChoice/UISelect Comparison webpage: now includes a specific call out indicating that plan members should be aware that there are independent providers at the Downtown Campus and they should therefore verify whether providers are level 1, 2 or 3. 
c.    Webpage enhancement to help with confirming coverage of prescriptions – includes link to search for their prescriptions using the Wellmark Formulary site

7.    Weiland motioned to adjourn at 12:58 pm, seconded by O’Sullivan
 

DRAFT FRIC MEETING MINUTES
February 7, 2025
Zoom Meeting
1130 AM

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Anand Vijh, Anya Prince, Cormac O’Sullivan, Daniel Katz, Angela Speers, Chuck Wieland, George Hospodarsky, Matthew Watson, Michael Weaver+

Members absent: Richard Peter, Mary Charlton, Josey Bathke

*Co-chairs; +Minutes

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheryl Reardon, Julie Sexton, Cheri Smith, Jessica Wade, Dana Stafford, Melissa Twait, Megan Threlkeld, Justin Fraase, James Jorris

1.    Introductions/Roll Call– Urmie and Laverty
•    Roll call was taken at 11:32 am
2.    Approval of December meeting minutes – Urmie and Laverty
•    Wieland motioned to approve, Katz seconded. December minutes were approved unanimously with no edits
3.    2025 Open Enrollment Results – Olson
•    Review 2025 and 2024 open enrollment results. 
•    Previous year’s data (January 2024) did not include Mercy acquisition, so total number of contracts will show a large increase year over year.
•    Large increase in UISelect, lots of that attributed to Mercy, new hires and some movement of existing employees from UIChoice to UISelect
•    77% UIChoice, 23% UISelect in 2025 (81%/19% in 2024)
•    Question about differences in medication coverage between plans: members need to go to the Wellmark formulary site to search for specific prescription coverages on the respective UI plans. Note – UIChoice uses the Blue RX Complete Formulary and UISelect uses the Blue RX Value Plus Formulary.

4.    Updates
•    GLP1 Pilot  – Troester
o    Zepbound supply remains higher and preferred for supply, but other GLP1 drugs (Wegovy) are included in the pilot
o    In January, behavior modification sessions through WondrHealth began. 170 individuals enrolled; 145/170 completed 2+ sessions of behavior modification through WondrHealth
o    500/500 pilot enrollees contacted; approximately 475 have 2, 4, and 8 month appointments. Initial visits began week of 1/6/2025
o    Research opportunities through the College of Public Health, Family Medicine, Weight Management Clinic
o    Update received from Wellmark that GLP1 drugs have been approved to treat sleep apnea, widening the eligible pool for these drugs. UI will continue to follow guidelines and related research.
•    PBM Contract – Olson
o    Completed RFQL for PBM
o    Fully executed amendment with Wellmark
o    3-year agreement from 1/1/25 to 12/31/27, includes two-one year agreement extension opportunities
o    Agreement provides better access to reporting and auditing as well as improved pricing on drugs
•    Retirement Fund Investment Committee – Troester
o    Committee met December 12, 2024 and approved plan enhancements 
o    Campus change management communications begin in Spring 2025
o    Communication to plan participants in the summer
o    Go live date targeting early Fall 2025
•    Communication – Olson
o    UIHC working on communication plan to help our plan members better understand use of UIHC Medical Center Downtown. Will coincide with communications around opening of the North Liberty campus. University Benefits will also cover how UIChoice and UISelect plan coverage works. These communications will go out in the next month

5.    Plan Design Review and Recommendations for 2026
•    Dental
o    Current coverage includes $15 annual deductible launched 1/1/25; proposed change to $30 annual deductible when using premier and non-participating networks for 1/1/26. This would save the plan approximately $750k over 30k covered individuals. Suggestion from the committee to model a scaled deductible for premier and non-participating networks to incentivize in-network providers (i.e. $30/$50) 
o    More support for annual deductible than the other two options presented: 
1.    Periodontic Maintenance Therapy would go to a 90%/80% from a 100% coverage which would save approximately $900k over 2k covered individuals
2.    High-cost services like dentures, crowns, bridges would reduce coverage from 80% to 70% saving $700k over approximately 3.5k covered individuals
o    Will review data in coming months to decide plans for any changes to benefits
•    Health
o    Medical Plan Out-of-Pocket Maximum (OPM)
1.    Last changes made to medical OPM was two calendar years ago. Next opportunity to implement changes will be after three calendar years (2026)
2.    Proposed changes would increase OPMs for level 1&2 by $300 and $600 for single and family members respectively
3.    Level 3 would increase by $500 and $1000 respectively
4.    Questions as to why the OPMs are increasing by the same fixed amount for UIChoice and UISelect as opposed to a differentiated percentage. Will rerun the numbers and respective savings based on a percentage change for the committee to review
o    Tier Ratios for Family Status
1.    Presentation on Tier Ratios from what is currently in place at UI as well as the standards from Wellmark and AON. Will continue to review annually and adjust if needed.

6.    Access and Capacity 
•    Dermatology and Digestive Disease continue to be challenging, which is reflective of national trends

7.    Weiland motioned to adjourn at 12:56 pm, seconded by Watson
 

December 06, 2024 FRIC Meeting Minutes will be approved in the February 7, 2025 meeting. 

DRAFT FRIC MEETING MINUTES

November 1, 2024

Zoom Meeting

1130 AM

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Mary Charlton, George Hospodarsky, Dan Katz, Cormac O’Sullivan, Angela Speers, Anand Vijh, Matt Watson⁺, Michael Weaver, Chuck Wieland

*Co-chairs; ⁺Minutes

Members absent: Richard Peter, Josey Bathke, Anya Prince

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheri Smith, Dana Stafford, Jessica Wade, Cheryl Reardon, Erin Litton, Megan Threlkeld, Audra Haddy, Melissa Twait, Kate Klefstad, Justin Fraase, John Reitz, James Jorris, Kara Wright

1. Introductions/Roll Call– Urmie and Laverty

• The meeting started with a roll call at 11:30 am.  

2. Approval of October meeting minutes – Urmie and Laverty

• Chuck Weiland motioned to approve the October 2024 minutes; Mike Weaver seconded. October 2024 minutes edits were made and were unanimously approved as amended for small punctuation changes.

3. GLP1 Pilot Update – Troester
   • New updates
     1. Communications released throughout October ahead of planned implementation
        1. Dedicated web page 
        2. Application period open 10/31 – 11/8; Lottery selection process for 500 week of 11/11
     2. Discussion on data analysis on pilot study 
     3. Discussion on application and selection process 
     4. Pilot to continue as standing agenda item 
        1. Members can reach out to Joni Troester with any questions or refer to the web page 
4. PBM contract update – Olson
   • Prudent Rx opportunity - Purchasing wrapping up final review of draft agreement, expecting update on this next week. We’re exploring: 
     1. Specialty Drug Program called PudentRX Solution
     2. Can lower drug cost for members on our plan
     3. Estimated savings of ~ $4 Million dollars 
     4. Helps members obtain non-needs based co-pay assistance for their specialty drugs
        1. If drug is on PrudentRx list, member pays $0
        2. Members only pays when the drug is not on PrudentRx list
     5. Prudent RX enrolls members 
     6. As we learn more about the program, we’ll share additional details in upcoming FRIC meeting 
5. Retirement Fund Investment Committee Update - Troester
   • RFIC Discussion 
     1. Working with new investment management consultant CAPTRUST 
     2. Modernization of fund line-up
        1. Exploring fund line opportunities for improvement in mandatory 403(b), voluntary 403(b), and 457(b) plans
           1. Goals
              1. Goals to reduce fund choice overload and align with industry best practice
              2. Leverage institutional size to obtain quality funds at lower participant fees
              3. Expand choice for interested participants through a brokerage window
     3. New custom target date fund solution
        1. Lower net cost
        2. Includes equity, fixed income, guaranteed income (Portable TIAA traditional product)
        3. CAPTRUST as 338 fiduciary of the new custom glidepath with target date fund
     4. If we pursue this, changes will most likely occur fall 2025 with 
     5. Plan to have communications to employees along with public facing landing page with information on changes 
6. Voluntary Benefit RFQL (Request for Qualifications) – Olson
   • Project with purchasing – currently 
   • Post RFQL for voluntary benefits – Q4 2024
   • Review bids from different vendors – Q1 2025
   • Interview top bidders – Q1-Q2 2025 
   • Recommend vendors – Q2 2025
   • Implement new voluntary benefits – Q3 2025
7. Access and Capacity – Troester
   • Follow-up from October meeting (more detail on secondary access)
     1. September 2024 access data reviewed
     2. Continue to work with PAC on facilitated access for UI Family 
     3. Reviewed 6 specialty care access areas with rates lower than target access rate for September 
     4. Recruitment of faculty ongoing to help improve access 
     5. Discussion regarding need for additional information on services/areas of care available at the different health care locations 
8. New Business – Dan Katz
   • Request for additional information and update on Wellmark’s requirement that PCPs be assigned to plan members 
     1. Plan members being assigned to providers and scheduling limitations/concerns
     2. Concerns with accuracy on data regarding primary care providers assigned to patients or if it’s being updated 
9. November Board of Regents meeting – phased retirement pilot program
   • Current 3 year phased retirement pilot program ends 2025 
   • Requesting extension on pilot 

There was a motion from Chuck Weiland to adjourn the current meeting seconded by Cormack O’Sullivan , and it passed unanimously. 

The meeting adjourned around 12:27 PM. 

Next Meeting

December 6, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom

DRAFT FRIC MEETING MINUTES
October 4, 2024

Zoom Meeting

1130 AM

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Mary Charlton, George Hospodarsky, Dan Katz, Cormac O’Sullivan, Richard Peter, Angela Speers⁺, Anand Vijh, Matt Watson, Michael Weaver, and Anya Prince

*Co-chairs; ⁺Minutes

Members absent: Josey Bathke and Chuck Wieland

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheri Smith, Dana Stafford, Julie Sexton, Jessica Wade, Cheryl Reardon, Erin Litton, Megan Threlkeld, Audra Haddy, Melissa Twait, Justin Fraase, Brit Marcussen, John Reitz

1. Introductions/Roll Call– Urmie and Laverty

• The meeting started with a roll call at 11:30 am. 

2. Approval of September meeting minutes – Urmie and Laverty

• Cormac O’Sullivan motioned to approve the September 2024 minutes; Anand Vijh seconded. September 2024 minutes were unanimously approved.

3. GLP1 Pilot Update- Troester

• New Updates: We have identified providers who agreed to participate in a special pilot program network. We will work with specialty pharmacy to allow flexibility and ability to mail GLP-1 to patient’s home. Working with UHR Communications for mass rollout. There will be an awareness email and a second email following a few days later with info on how to sign-up. Message will run in the Noon News. PAC team will take care of .pilot program patient scheduling. There will be an attestation from the provider to receive an approval for GLP-1 pharmacy exception. WondrHealth, behavior modification, will begin before first visit with provider. Participant feedback will be asked during the pilot. There will be a waitlist of 50-70 people, as we’re expecting some employees may not qualify once they meet with the provider or drop-out of the program in the first few months. Communication will be sent out when the limit has been reached. 
• Behavior Modification Vendor - WondrHealth: Vended product subcontracted through Wellmark. We have offered to a certain population with chronic conditions for 4 years. Different areas of focus, tailored solutions, digital platform, evidence-based behavior change and known entity to UI. We have tracked the completion rate and to date it was about 65% completion rate of those that used it.
• We will send you a courtesy email of our planned communication before it is sent to all employees. Please do not share.
• Joni and Rebecca notified yesterday that Wellmark will be covering Wegovy effective immediately for certain patients who have a BMI of 27 or greater and have specific cardiovascular disease indications. 

4. Open Enrollment Preview – Olson

• Dates: Nov 1^st to Nov 15^th. New insurance rates and RXOPM plan changes for 2025. Health Care FSA increase.
• Planned Communication: Email will be sent on Oct 9^th. Second email will be sent on Nov 1^st (first day of open enrollment). There will be open enrollment resources online, videos, and materials (guide and plan comparison). Communication offered in English, Spanish, and French.

5. Secure Act 2.0 - Olson

• Changes: Voluntary retirement participants age 60 to 63 are eligible to participate in new age 60-63 catch-up to $10k a year (extra $2500 in addition to the current Age 50 Catch-up provision of $7500). 
  • Planned communication: Targeted email communication to those VRSP and 457(b) participants who will be age 60-63 in 2025. University Benefits webpage to be updated.

6. Access and Capacity – Troester

• Follow-up from September meeting: Ongoing conversations with access partner, but while there are access issues they are trending in the right direction. Due to MCD getting EPIC on May 4^th, 2024, they are not yet included in this data being presented. Continuously being monitored, and there is recruitment happing on the faculty end as well.

7. Participant Engagement with TIAA - Olson

• Last year over 2800 people took advantage of using a TIAA financial consultant. Year to date there have been over 2300. Many of our participants access the participant portal. We have approximately 42,000 (active and terminated/retired participants) in TIAA. About 17,000 active emplolyees contribute to TIAA on a monthly basis.

8. There was a motion from Richard Peter to adjourn the current meeting seconded by Cormac O’Sullivan, and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned around 12:50pm. 

    

Next Meeting

November 1st, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom

DRAFT FRIC MEETING MINUTES
September 6, 2024

Zoom Meeting

1130 AM

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Josey Bathke, Mary Charlton, George Hospodarsky, Dan Katz, Cormac O’Sullivan, Richard Peter, Angela Speers, Anand Vijh, Matt Watson, Michael Weaver, Anya Prince, Chuck Wieland⁺

*Co-chairs; ⁺Minutes

Members absent: none

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheri Smith, Dana Stafford, Julie Sexton, Jessica Wade, Kara Wright, Cheryl Reardon, Erin Litton, Megan Threlkeld, Audra Haddy, Melissa Twait, Justin Frase, Bryan Garter, Amy O’Deen, Brandon Johnson, James Joris

1. Introductions/Roll Call– Urmie and Laverty

• The meeting started with a roll call at 11:30 am. 

2. Approval of August meeting minutes – Urmie and Laverty

• Chuck Wieland motioned to approve the August 2024 minutes; Cormac O’Sullivan seconded. August 2024 minutes were unanimously approved.

3. Iowa Health Care: North Liberty – Presentation and QA

Health Care Representatives – Amy O’Deen, Bryan Garter, Brandon Johnson

• Bryan Garter presented an overview of the University of Iowa Health Care North Liberty location.
• Opening date is tentatively set at end of April 2025.
• Will have two separate blocks:
  • Clinical (Orthopedics) Block
  • Hospital Block
• Structure was built with the ability to expand as needed in the future.
• Will allow growth of other departments within the UI Health Care – Iowa City once Orthopedics moves to North Liberty.
• Q&A between FRIC members and presenters to answer specific questions the various members had. 

4. PBM Update – Olson

• Wellmark was selected the top bidder.
• Draft agreement completed by UI Purchasing and Wellmark during the summer.
• Iowa Department of Insurance currently reviewing draft.
• Purchasing Office issuance and notice of award contingent upon execution of the final agreement which is expected sometime in late October 2024.
• Q&A between FRIC members and Rebecca Olson/Joni Troester to answer specific questions the various members had. 

5. GLP1 Pilot Update – Troester

• Update on the GLP1 pilot program.
  • Reviewed the primary goal and the guiding principles of the pilot program.
  • Presented information on the eligibility requirements and the selected UI Health Care providers of the pilot program:
    • Enrollment capped at 500 for the pilot. 
    • Eligibility for the pilot program limited to UI employees covered by UI Choice or UI Select and: 
      • 40 BMI or greater
      • 35 BMI or greater and 2 co-morbidities
  • Behavior Modification will be important aspect of the pilot.
  • GLP-1 coverage will be by “exception only” for those approved to participate in pilot.
  • Pilot program participant will be responsible for co-insurance and costs up to their health plan annual OPM.
  • Communication plan and timing reviewed.
  • Q&A between FRIC members and Joni Troester/Rebecca Olson to answer specific questions the various members had. 

6. Retirement Fund Investment Committee Updates – Troester

• Committee made up of key individuals from University Human Resources, Central Administration, FRIC Member (John Laverty) and College of Business faculty emeritus (Cathy Zaharis).
• TIAA Strategic partnership with Accenture (announced 8/27) provides: 
  • Modernization (systems and operations).
  • No impact to call center and recordkeeping services.
• With new investment management consultant, CAPTRUST, exploring fund line up for opportunities for improvement in the mandatory 403(b), voluntary 403(b) and 457 (b) plans:
  • Modify current fund line-up
  • Customized target date fund (used as the default fund)
• Q&A between FRIC members and Joni Troester, John Laverty and Rebecca Olson to answer specific questions the various members had. 

7. Access and Capacity – Troester

• Reviewed the July 2024 facility access data.
  • No real change from spring 2024.
• Q&A between FRIC members and Joni Troester/Rebecca Olson to answer specific questions the various members had. 

8. There was a motion to adjourn the current meeting, and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned around 12:50pm. 

Next Meeting

October 4, 2024, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. via Zoom

DRAFT FRIC Meeting Minutes
August 9, 2024, 11:30 am
Zoom Meeting

Members present: Julie Urmie*, John Laverty*, Josey Bathke, Mary Charlton, Dan Katz, Cormac O’Sullivan, Richard Peter, Angela Speers, Anand Vijh ⁺, Matt Watson, Michael Weaver, Anya Prince, Chuck Wieland

*Co-chairs; ⁺Minutes

Members absent: George Hospodarsky

Administrative staff present: Joni Troester, Rebecca Olson

Visitors present: Cheri Smith, Jessica Wade, Kara Wright, Cheryl Reardon, Erin Litton

1. Introductions: The meeting started with a roll call at 11:30 am. The attendees are noted above. The committee welcomed a new member Matt Watson, who comes from Health Care Information Systems. He brings valuable experience and enthusiasm to the committee.
2. Approval of May meeting minutes: Chuck Wieland motioned to approve the minutes, Mike Weaver seconded. May minutes were unanimously approved.
3. Retiree Health Insurance Update (Informational Only): Joni Troester presented details of university’s retiree health plan. This plan covers approximately 1,700 members. For Calendar Year (CY) 2025, their insurance premiums will not increase from the current rates which are $1,018 per month under UIChoice plan and $916 per month under UISelect plan, both per covered person rates. The $288 monthly subsidy for eligible retirees will continue again for 2025. 
4. 2025 Dental Rate Discussion: The administrators next presented details of the dental insurance plan. For CY 2025, there will be a 4% increase in premium rates across the board. This comes after a five-year period of no increase during 2018 to 2022 and a two-year period of 3% annual increases during 2023 to 2024. Chuck Wieland motioned to approve the new rates for 2025, Richard Peter seconded. Dental rate increase passed unanimously.
5. 2025 Health Rate Discussion: The last item discussed was the CY 2025 premiums for employee healthcare plans. The current arrangement is that we have two plans: UIChoice and UISelect.  Under each plan, there are five family status categories: employee only, employee and spouse, employee and children, employee and family, and dual-employee family (i.e., both spouses are university employees). For CY 2025, the administrators proposed a 5% increase in premiums for all employee categories under UI Choice and a 1.2% increase for all categories under UI Select. The largest monthly increase in employee premium is $22 for UIChoice family coverage. Discussion involved rating tiers by family coverage. Committee will continue discussion next spring during plan design discussions. Chuck Wieland motioned to approve the proposed health rates and Cormac O’Sullivan seconded. The proposed health rate increases passed unanimously. The next steps will be approval by various university administrators ending with the Board of Regents meeting on September 18-19, 2024.
6. There was a motion to adjourn the current meeting, and it passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned around 12:10 pm.

Recorder: Anand Vijh