John Bos: Buck Associates Health Care Information

John Bos to Damon Asbury, June 6, 2007

Subject: RE: Buck Associates Health Care Information

Dr. Asbury,

I was very pleased with the information that Buck Associates provided at the last STRS Meeting. I have reviewed the cd's to listen to the information a second time.

While I do NOT agree with all of the comments (PBM and Transparency) I did feel that the presentations were fairly accurate and above board. The comparison of the cost of soap at Walmart is not comparing "apples to apples". I have the option to compare prices for my apples at Kroger and Walmart. I also have the option to shop where ever I please. This is not true when you contract with a PBM.

This evaluation process makes me feel much better about the STRS health care investigations for 2007 compared to 2001.

I still find it interesting that Ohio State University is considering joining with the other retirement systems for PBM services, but STRS Associates are not included in the plan. (Joe Endry told us once that those working downtown Columbus are entitled to superior benefits. That is very hard to swallow in Lima, Ohio.)

We will look forward to monitoring the actions of the STRS staff regarding health coverage issues in June and August.

Thanks for your efforts. Although we may not agree on PBM's and the savings by using Caremark for the past years, I do commend the staff for their current efforts as they attempt to find the best coverage at the lowest cost. I would hope that all of the legal issues of Caremark and United Health Care are considered when a recommendation is made to the board.

Best Wishes,

John Bos

Lima, Ohio