Hello SWAN Board,
We went ahead and posted the agenda for Friday's meeting, just to ensure some transparency ahead of the meeting. The online meeting link is included on the agenda.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/20_12_18/8211…
The packet should be finalized and posted tomorrow. I will have an overview of EBSCO usage for the past 5 months, along with an overview on the year-2 EBSCO renewal options, with my recommendation.
There will be a second draft of next year's budget as well!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hi SWAN Board,
Below is the agenda and packet for Friday's meeting. This packet is 113 pages which is due to the FY20 audit documents and the first draft of the SWAN's budget for next year.
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/20_11_20/6697…
If you have any questions in advance please feel free to email me. I hope you were able to accept all those calendar appointments and have those in line with your other library activities.
Best,
Aaron
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hi SWAN Board,
Our November meeting is typically where I would have a list of meeting dates for 2021 in the packet. I am going to try something different this time and begin sending you Outlook calendar invites for the upcoming dates. Those invites will have the details within for online group meetings.
So watch out for the invitations this afternoon!
I am waiting on Board financial reports from Lauterbach. We should be able to post the meeting packet tomorrow.
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hello SWAN Board,
The meeting packet is posted for Friday:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/20_10_16/6697…
This will be an online meeting and the URL is posted on the top of the agenda. This is a very light agenda and the packet is 36 pages long. I want to discuss my goals for the next year, which admittedly is a little late, but I wanted to have Jesse fully on board before having a full discussion.
Please let me know if you have any questions. See you Friday online!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
SWAN Board-
The Personnel Committee met yesterday with Ted, Julie, and Jesse in attendance, along with Dawne and Ginny, and there was agreement with my recommendation that we remain with LIMRiCC for the 2021 insurance renewal year.
That said, we do have some nice alternate options to explore. I will continue to explore these and have those ready in case we feel those should be enacted on.
There is a "law" in the software development world "given enough eyeballs, all bugs are shallow." This is good advice for SWAN in having your eyes looking at a problem and coming up with multiple options and asking good questions.
Thank you all, have a great weekend-
Aaron
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
SWAN Board Members,
If you are dialing in today only and not using the link, the access code unfortunately changed. This new information is below. The URL is the same.
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone:
https://www.gotomeet.me/SWANBoard
You can also dial in using your phone.
(For supported devices, tap a one-touch number below to join instantly.)
**UPDATED ACCESS CODE BELOW**
United States: +1 (571) 317-3112
- One-touch: tel:+15713173112,,327092957#
Access Code: 327-092-957
New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/327092957
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
SWAN Board Members-
There will be a meeting of the SWAN Board Personnel Committee on Friday, September 18th at 11 a.m. which is immediately following the board meeting. Ted, Jennifer, and Jane plan on attending that meeting.
We decided to have this meeting to discuss the recent August 25th announcement from the LIMRiCC organization that the BlueCross BlueShield health insurance carrier would be switched to Aetna on January 1st. We want to at least better understand that change and know what the options are for SWAN employees if BlueCross BlueShield were provided through another medical insurance plan.
Agenda
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/20_09_18/8102…
I am waiting on some additional insurance information before posting the committee meeting packet. The LIMRiCC organization is having an online meeting today at 2 p.m. to review the 2021 rates and their decision to switch.
P.S. The board packet and agenda will be posted later this afternoon!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hello SWAN Board,
The meeting packet is posted for Friday:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/sites/default/files/meeting/20_09_18/6697…
This will be an online meeting and the URL is posted on the top of the agenda. This will utilize SWAN's GoToMeeting and it is a standard URL I created specific for SWAN Board activity. The benefit will be we can use that link each month and it will be the same URL we use for the Personnel Committee meeting afterwards.
This packet has two month of financials and you will see the new SWAN budget and reports created by Lauterbach. I note in my report that if you have any suggestions to improve them to let me know and I will pass it along for next month's reports.
We will be discussing the next phase of the Aspen Discovery project and while I believe you all were able to attend the 9/3 quarterly meeting, it is available as a recording in case you want to review what was shared about Aspen.
SWAN Quarterly meeting recording posted on this page:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/meeting/66914
Thanks again, see you Friday!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hi SWAN Board Reps-
Jesse Blazek is now a member of the SWAN Board email list. This list is for the 7 board members plus Dawne, Ginny, and myself. Board reps are unmoderated on this list, so this is just a reminder to avoid reply-all in the various OMA scenarios where it would be a violation.
The SWAN Board page on the Support site has been updated as well. On this page you can see everyone's email addresses and terms:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/about/board-members
Welcome Jesse!
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
Hello SWAN Board reps-
On Wednesday this week LIMRiCC members received this notice (pasted below) from the board chair that the benefit provider will be switched from BCBS to Aetna.
I suggested to Ted that we schedule a Personnel Committee meeting to discuss that benefit change and to gauge your thoughts on this provider change. I will be attending with Ginny the LIMRiCC meeting on 9/15 so I suggest if we have a committee meeting that maybe we plan one after the Friday 9/18 SWAN Board meeting.
The reps for our Personnel Committee are Jane and Jennifer. If you two can reply to me if you are available, I can schedule that meeting for maybe around 11am on 9/18. For reference, here are the committee assignments:
https://support.swanlibraries.net/system/files/Public/SWAN-Board-Committees…
I recognize the window to make any changes to remain with BCBS is fairly short considering open enrollment will start at the end of October, so I am doing some initial research with Ginny on what our options are.
Aaron Skog
Executive Director
aaron(a)swanlibraries.net<mailto:aaron@swanlibraries.net> * 630-326-7022
My pronouns: he/him/his
SWAN Library Services
800 Quail Ridge Drive, Westmont, IL 60559
swanlibraries.net<https://swanlibraries.net/> * catalog.swanlibraries.net<https://catalog.swanlibraries.net/>
From: Jennie Mills <jmills(a)shorewoodtroylibrary.org<mailto:jmills@shorewoodtroylibrary.org>>
Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2020 2:03 PM
Subject: PLEASE READ - LIMRiCC Change in Health Insurance Providers, effective January 21, 2021
August 26, 2020
TO: Participants in the LIMRiCC-PHIP Health Insurance Pool
FROM: Jennifer Cisna Mills, LIMRiCC Board Chair
RE: Change in Health Insurance Carriers, effective January 1, 2021
In advance of our Full Membership meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 15th, I wanted to be the first to inform you that the Board of LIMRICC voted, 5-0, on August 25th to end our relationship with Blue Cross Blue Shield at this time and move to Aetna.
This was not a decision that the LIMRiCC Board took lightly. We know that Blue Cross Blue Shield has been our health insurance carrier for over 20 years. We are aware that selecting a new insurance carrier will bring with it some concerns and questions from both employees and employers. We want you to know that both the staff of LIMRiCC and the staff of Assurance, our insurance broker, are committed to making this change as easy as possible.
Why did we make this change? This decision was driven primarily by cost considerations. Due to several large claims this year, including a claim that has exceeded $1 million, Blue Cross Blue Shield was not able to be as competitive in cost as other carriers. HMO rates would have increased by 4%, but PPO rates would have increased by 14%. In this difficult financial climate, where rising health costs can be a cost burden for both employees and employers, the Board felt it best to look at other carriers. We obtained quotes from both Aetna and United Health Care.
Why did we select Aetna? We made the choice to move to Aetna health care for several reasons:
* Competitive rates - Rates for both the HMO and PPO will be a 5% increase, versus the 14% increase for the PPO through Blue Cross Blue Shield.
* Plans remain the same, with the same coverage amounts. There will still be an HMO provided, $750 deductible PPO plan, a $1500 deductible PPO plan, and an HSA plan.
* Good coverage for existing doctors already utilized by members. 96.78% of doctors currently utilized will also accept Aetna's insurance. The doctor's website will often display the types of insurance covered or you may search for your doctor here: https://www.aetna.com/individuals-families/find-a-doctor.html to check for coverage.
* Due to the way that Aetna's HMO is structured, libraries will no longer have to act as "large employers" to offer the HMO. The HMO can be offered by all libraries now. Additionally, Aetna HMO does not require a designated Primary Care Physician, nor does it require a referral to see specialized health providers.
* Telemedicine is offered on all plans, including the HMO.
* There is no copay to use CVS mini-clinics, for the treatment of minor conditions.
Is anything else changing? Yes, please see below.
* Life insurance will be moving from Unicare to Hartford Insurance. There will be no change in the amount billed per member, but the employer-provided life insurance will increase from $20,000 provided to $30,000 provided.
* Dental coverage will be moving from Delta Dental to Aetna for dental. Premiums will remain the same.
* VSP will continue to be the vision insurance provided, at the same rates.
We know that this will be a transition for employers AND employees. We encourage every library to send a representative to the September 15th membership meeting, held via Zoom, to have your questions answered. Representatives from both Aetna and Assurance will be there to answer questions and concerns. All members of the LIMRiCC board will be present as well. We look forward to your attendance and participation at the meeting.
--
************************************
Jennifer Cisna Mills, Director
Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404
815.725.1715
