Title
Receive an open-session presentation from California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and Covered California regarding the impact of state and federal legislation on the commercial health insurance market and strategies being considered to manage the cost of commercial health insurance in the County of Monterey.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Receive an open-session presentation from California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and Covered California regarding the impact of state and federal legislation on the commercial health insurance market and strategies being considered to manage the cost of commercial health insurance in the County of Monterey.
SUMMARY:
The California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and Covered California will provide a presentation regarding the impact of state and federal legislation on the commercial health insurance market and strategies being considered to manage the cost of commercial health insurance in the County of Monterey in response to Board direction received on August 18, 2026, regarding Board Referral No. 2026.11.
DISCUSSION:
On June 2, 2026, Chair Wendy Root-Askew submitted Board Referral No. 2026.11, requesting an open-session presentation from California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) and Covered California regarding the impact of state and federal legislation on the commercial health insurance market and strategies being considered to manage the cost of commercial health insurance in the County of Monterey.
On August 18, 2026, the Human Resources Department (HRD), in collaboration with the Department of Social Services (DSS), submitted a preliminary analysis report in response to Board Referral No. 2026.11.
Following receipt of the report, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to proceed with the completion of this referral and coordinate with CalPERS, Covered California, and the Clerk of the Board to schedule the requested informational presentation on October 27, 2026.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Human Resources Department conferred with the Department of Social Services and the County Administrative Office regarding this matter.
FINANCING:
There is no financial impact to the County of Monterey associated with this presentation.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
The proposed recommended actions support the Board of Supervisors’ Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice Strategic Plan Goal. These actions demonstrate the County’s commitment to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce by establishing fair compensation across all employee levels.
__ Well-Being and Quality of Life
__ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
__ Safe and Resilient Communities
__ Diverse and Thriving Economy
ü Dynamic Organization and Employer of Choice
Link to the Strategic Plan:
https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/home/showdocument?id=139569
Prepared by: Robert Uribe, Management Analyst, ext. 5202
Approved by: Andreas Pyper, Director of Human Resources, ext. 5043
Roderick Franks, Director of Social Services, ext. 4435
Attachments:
Attachment A - Board Referral No. 2026.11
Attachment B - CalPERS Presentation
Attachment C - Covered California Presentation