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Message
from the Chairman of the Board
November 27 , 2007 |
Ohio Plan Members:
In a message included in the summer edition of The Ohio Plan Report, I outlined efforts being undertaken at the time by the Board of Directors to explore the feasibility of creating a healthcare program for our members. This effort was primarily initiated in response to frustrations expressed by many of our members about the lack of available health care benefit options and run-away premium costs. After performing an exhaustive analysis on the pros and cons of forming a healthcare plan, and with the benefit of favorable market conditions, on behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the recent creation of The Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium. The Healthcare Consortium is being administered by Herbruck Alder, an employee benefits consulting firm headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. Healthcare benefits available through the Consortium are being provided by Medical Mutual of Ohio. If you have specific questions about the new Ohio Plan Healthcare Consortium, please contact your Ohio Plan agent for more details and information on how to receive a benefit quote.
In addition to the creation of the Healthcare Consortium, 2007 has also been a busy year on the property and casualty side of The Ohio Plan. Through October, we have added 74 new entities, bringing total Plan membership to 575 members. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome those new members and encourage all of our current members to inform neighboring communities and professional colleagues of the many benefits of being a member of The Ohio Plan. It is through continued growth and membership retention that The Ohio Plan is able to offer innovative benefits to its members. These benefits include The Ohio Plan Advantage which, through its second year, has credited approximately $800,000 back to Ohio Plan members. The Board also decided to offer members with “Excellent” Ohio Plan Advantage scores the opportunity to guarantee their premium rate for two years. In addition, we continue to offer an Education Reimbursement Program to members participating in qualified educational programs.
As we look to the future, 2008 will mark The Ohio Plan’s 20th Anniversary. We have some exciting plans for the coming year to celebrate this significant milestone and will be sharing those with you over the next few months. It is only through the dedication and hard work of the Plan Administrator, Hylant Administrative Services, our Regional Representatives, and most importantly, our members, that The Ohio Plan continues to be able to offer affordable and comprehensive insurance solutions specifically tailored to meet the unique risk management needs of public entities in the State of Ohio. The foundation is in place to make 2008 our most successful year yet as we strive to grow our property and casualty membership and, at the same time, firmly establish the newly formed healthcare consortium.
As always, we encourage you to contact the Board of Directors, all of whom are either appointed or elected officials from member jurisdictions, or the Plan Administrator, with any questions on the operation of the Plan or suggestions on ways in which we can better serve you. Our goal is to exceed your service expectations so your feedback is an important component to our continued success.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, I wish you a joyous holiday season and a safe and prosperous New Year!
Sincerely,
Jay Weiskircher
Chairman
The Ohio Plan
