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Court adopts Option 3 to address retiree drug costs, directs creation of advisory council
Summary
After retiree complaints and a staff presentation, Commissioners approved HRT's Option 3—a Part D-based formulary with adjusted copays and retiree advocacy services—to restore affordability for most retirees and directed HRT to stand up a retiree advisory council.
Harris County Human Resources & Talent recommended "Option 3," a Medicare Part D (SilverScript) plan design that sets consistent copays (for example $0 generics, $20 preferred brand) and adds a retiree advocacy service to help members navigate benefits. Staff said Option 3 would cover 99.93% of medications based on a three-month claims sample and would reduce out-of-pocket variability that prompted retiree complaints after an earlier plan change.
Commissioners heard extensive questioning about coverage, the IRMAA (income-related Medicare premium) that affects high‑income retirees, and outreach to retirees. Commissioner Brianna and others backed the recommendation and asked HRT to launch a retiree advisory council to provide ongoing feedback; the court approved Option 3 and directed HRT and Boards & Commissions to form the council and report back on implementation by October 6.
