10
The Trust continues to have group insurance contracts
with Aetna Life Insurance Company to provide life
insurance benefits for covered retirees only. The Trust
provides the medical benefits under the Plan through a
self-insured arrangement for covered retirees and spouses.
Aetna continues to provide certain administrative
services that are important in the operations of the Trust,
including regular, comprehensive internal audits.
Aetna’s audits of the Trust’s internal operations continue
to show outstanding results. These results reflect the
cooperation, attitude and performance of the Trust’s
staff. Once again, each of this year’s three audits
reflected payment accuracies of 100% and statistical
accuracies of 100%.
The Trust continues to perform “in house” audits on
certain medical claims, large claims, and questionable
claims. The Trust encourages the use of many types of
cost-saving measures when possible, such as second
surgical opinions; use of outpatient, rather than inpatient
facilities; home health care; individual case management;
FDA-approved generic drugs, etc. It has also continued
its use of third-party organizations to obtain discounts
from providers in exchange for prompt payment.
Conclusion
During the past fiscal year, the Trustees continued to
monitor, review and evaluate closely the Trust’s Plan of
Benefits, the relationship of employer contributions to
claims paid, the overall performance of the Trust’s
operations, the economic and other conditions affecting
the Trust, legislation and other governmental actions
affecting the Trust, and other pertinent matters, including
the Trust’s assets, projected liabilities, and projected
income. In doing so, the Trustees continue to protect the
financial stability and long-term viability of the Trust.
As in the past, the Trustees will continue to make
additional changes or modifications to the Trust’s
operations, including the Trust’s Plan of Benefits on
an as-needed basis.
Even with the unpredictability of health and health
care issues, the Trust is able to deliver innovative
programs and helpful support to those it serves.
From the
Executive Director
As I reflect on my second year as Executive Director of
G. M.P. – Employers Retiree Trust, I am struck by the
volume and complexity of adaptations we have had to
address, especially in light of the Affordable Care Act.
We continue to monitor the changes and will update our
participants when it affects the Trust.
As is my duty and honor, I attended many industrial
relations, local union, and retiree branch meetings.
Stepping to the “front line” allows me to gather input
from employers and participants that allow us to
continuously improve our processes and services.
I would like to thank the Trust family for their support
of and commitment to those they serve. They enjoy
having the opportunity to help our participants, increase
efficiencies through ever-evolving technology, and serve
as stewards of the Trust’s funds.
I would also like to thank the Trustees who are committed
to continuing to offer desirable benefits to participants,
and to consider the many options that continue to present
themselves as we prepare for a new era in health care.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the
Trust’s Executive Director, and look forward to another
challenging year.
Respectfully submitted,
Marilyn S. Barnes
Executive Director
