Pipestone County HR updates: paid family medical leave RFP, MetLife proposal and wellness rebrand

Human Resources presented staffing updates and early results from a paid family medical leave (PFML) request for proposals at the Pipestone County Board of Commissioners meeting on June 24.

HR reported recent hires and adjusted start dates, and previewed upcoming positions. On the PFML RFP, HR said MetLife submitted the most competitive proposal in preliminary evaluations, offering coverage at an approximate 10% lower rate than the current state rate and a two-year rate guarantee if the county consolidates two other core benefits with MetLife. Commissioners asked staff to scrutinize any caveats tied to a lower price and to confirm guaranteed-issue and exclusion provisions so employee benefits are not adversely affected by carrier transitions.

HR said MetLife is also negotiating an internal takeover for life insurance and long-term disability lines, and is preparing a demonstration webinar in early July to show short-term disability claims workflows and HR administration tools. Peter Brown of Integrity Benefits will present a formal recommendation at the July 22 board meeting.

Separately, HR said its wellness committee unanimously rebranded itself as the RISE Committee (Recognizing achievements, Inspiring personal growth, Supporting wellness, Energizing our workplace community) and is planning a Health Fair Kickoff Week during open enrollment to promote wellness resources, screenings and vendor engagement.

Commissioners thanked HR staff for the work to modernize benefits administration and for the committee’s outreach plans. No formal action on benefits changes was taken at the June 24 meeting; a formal recommendation and vote will be scheduled after the July presentation.