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Commission discusses potential benefits changes: Freedom Claims, Blue Cross and EMC on-call nurse program
Summary
Commissioners discussed moving to a Freedom Claims arrangement with Blue Cross Blue Shield as primary and a supplemental claims processor; concerns included clerks' workload and the "two-card" arrangement. EMC offered a no-cost on-call nurse option for workplace injuries.
County staff presented two employee-benefits items for commissioner consideration: a proposed arrangement using Freedom Claims as a secondary administrator alongside Blue Cross Blue Shield, and an on-call nurse program offered by the county's insurer, EMC, to triage workplace injuries at no cost to the county.
Staff summarized feedback from other counties that have used Freedom Claims; benefits cited included savings in years with lower claims but higher administrative workload for the clerk's office, which would review processed claims weekly and resolve any errors. Commissioners and staff noted concerns including the "two-card" mechanism, an added clerical workload to validate dates and eligibility for claims (for example when an employee leaves), and the need for a fuller explanation from Freedom Claims staff. County staff proposed inviting Darren Booth (Freedom Claims) back to explain operational details in a future meeting and suggested that Trisha might be able to take on more benefits administration if the county moved forward.
Separately, EMC's no-cost on-call nurse program was described as a 24/7 service that provides clinical triage and can advise whether an injured employee needs emergency care or can follow up with a provider, with the insurer or third party taking the initial incident report. Staff characterized the EMC service as intended to reduce unnecessary ER visits and to ease decision pressure on department heads. Commissioners agreed to wait for Tyson (county staff) to review both proposals and to invite a Freedom Claims representative to present more detail before making any change.
No formal contract or enrollment decisions were made; commissioners directed staff to schedule a follow-up presentation and to include Tyson in further discussions.
