Benefits Sees Increased Healthcare Costs

Seeks Ways to Improve Employees’ Health

Commitment to Innovative Employee Benefits

In its thirteenth year of self-insuring, CIS Benefits continues to navigate the complex landscape of employee benefits, offering coverage to 23,000 individuals across Oregon. Despite facing significant headwinds in 2023, we remain committed to providing stable rates and innovative services.

Since becoming self-insured in 2010, CIS Benefits has successfully managed to avoid significant rate fluctuations. However, in 2023, the program encountered challenges as high claims resulted in payouts surpassing premium income. Rising medical costs, particularly in specialized prescriptions — as well as inflation, and increased labor costs — added to the challenges in the healthcare industry.

Despite the setbacks, the Benefits team remains dedicated to adding value for members small and large. Considered extensions of members’ HR departments, the team offers a variety of coverages, and emphasizes effective communication, education, and training.

Listening to Members and Enhancing Services

In response to member requests, additional improvements were made to CIS-Connect in 2023. The enhancements addressed functions for searching and sorting, along with better reporting tasks. The Benefits team also focused on improving services, streamlining member interactions, and improving response times. This was enhanced by a customer relationship management (CRM) tool for better tracking of member interactions and requests.

Benefits-Related Grants

In response to the surge in claims, CIS Benefits doubled its efforts to encourage members to apply for wellness grants. The grants are designed to foster healthier lifestyles among employees within member cities and counties.

Fourteen members, including Clatsop County, Baker City, Baker County, City of Coos Bay, Douglas County, Homes for Good Housing Agency, City of Junction City, City of La Grande, McMinnville Water & Light, North Central Public Health District, City of Sherwood, City of Sisters, City of St. Helens, and City of Sutherlin received varying grant amounts. Grants emphasized the commitment to worksite wellness programs.

BeyondWell Numbers and Innovative Initiatives

In 2023, CIS surpassed its BeyondWell registration goal, achieving 27.6% active participation, with 4,113 members enrolled.

Another important value-added service offered was our weight management reimbursement program, where we offer 70% reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses with a cap of $400 per year, and a participation duration of up to five years.

Continuing our efforts to improve employee health, CIS offered matching grants for Health & Benefit Fairs. Three members — City of Newport, City of St. Helens, and City of Junction City — took advantage of this program. The Benefits team actively coordinated the participation of insurance partners at all three events.

Value-Added Services and Options

The CIS Benefits team understands that budgets are shrinking every year. We also understand that collective bargaining can create budget challenges for our members, which is why we strive for stability in costs. We are proud of our range of comprehensive plan choices, whether the member is a small city or county, or a larger member with more resources. A reminder of some of our services include:

Hinge Health, virtual physical therapy
SurgeryPlus, free state-of-the-art surgeries
Employee Assistance Programs
Administration of Healthcare Flexible Spending Plans
Administration of Dependent Care Flexible Spending Plans
COBRA and retiree administration services
Support for worksite wellness activities
GASB 75 valuation services
Online enrollment and billing services

The CIS Benefits team remains committed to fostering a healthier workforce by providing free or low-cost wellness programs and resources, supporting our members through the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

While there are no immediate solutions to rising healthcare costs, the Benefits team emphasizes preparation and proactive initiatives to promote healthy lifestyle choices. By working together, we help our members to be safer, stronger, and healthier.