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Board approves contracting USI to evaluate district dental coverage
Summary
The board approved hiring USI (the only RFQ respondent) to evaluate Raleigh County Schools' dental coverage, assist in developing an RFP to carriers, evaluate proposals and help select a provider; staff warned network access problems and possible increased costs for the district.
The board voted to hire USI, an insurance brokerage and consulting firm, to evaluate the district’s dental coverage and lead a request-for-proposal (RFP) process for dental service providers.
Treasurer Mr. Butcher told the board USI was the only firm to respond to the district’s RFQ and outlined the firm’s planned work: evaluate current coverage, identify carriers and service providers, prepare RFP specifications, manage submissions, conduct preliminary negotiations, arrange finalist interviews or site visits, check references and provide recommended terms and anticipated annual costs. "USI is our agent of record for workers' comp," he said, and the firm listed West Virginia boards among its references.
Board members noted a nationwide shortage of dentists accepting network plans and raised concerns that even with a better carrier, employees may still face high out-of-pocket costs or limited provider access. Butcher and other members said the RFQ and RFP process will attempt to improve access and that staff expects the evaluation could show increased district cost but improved employee access.
The board moved, seconded and approved the contract for evaluation services with USI by voice vote. The motion included negotiating the consultant fee after selection; no dollar amount for the consultant or the ultimate plan was provided during the meeting.
Next steps: USI will proceed with the evaluation and RFP work; staff will return with recommendations and cost estimates in a later meeting.
