County supervisors say they need more time and information before they decide whether there should be big changes in the way the county's health plan is administered.
Instead of contracting with one company to oversee employee health care, the county is looking at partnering with three.
The discussion comes amid questions the current administrator has too close of a relationship with several local hospitals.
The current plan administrator is Managed Care Systems.
MCS's parent company also owns Mercy and Memorial Hospitals.
County Administrative Officer John Nilon recommended pulling the plug on the county contract when it expires in June, and partnering with three different out-of-state companies.
On Tuesday, supervisors heard from those who support the decision and from MCS, which is fighting to keep the contract.
After more than an hour, supervisors said they weren't ready to make a decision.
"I'm confident from everything I've read and every conversation I've had, that there has been no conflict of interest," said 1st District Supervisor, Mick Gleason.
"It would appear as though the heavy weighing of the conflict of interest issue almost eliminates the possibility of a local provider to give these services and provide this contract administration and that concerns me," said 5th District Supervisor, Leticia Perez.
The move away from MCS could save the county $4.1 million over three years.
Supervisors will hear proposals only from MCS and the other companies on March 12th.
Instead of contracting with one company to oversee employee health care, the county is looking at partnering with three.
The discussion comes amid questions the current administrator has too close of a relationship with several local hospitals.
The current plan administrator is Managed Care Systems.
MCS's parent company also owns Mercy and Memorial Hospitals.
County Administrative Officer John Nilon recommended pulling the plug on the county contract when it expires in June, and partnering with three different out-of-state companies.
On Tuesday, supervisors heard from those who support the decision and from MCS, which is fighting to keep the contract.
After more than an hour, supervisors said they weren't ready to make a decision.
"I'm confident from everything I've read and every conversation I've had, that there has been no conflict of interest," said 1st District Supervisor, Mick Gleason.
"It would appear as though the heavy weighing of the conflict of interest issue almost eliminates the possibility of a local provider to give these services and provide this contract administration and that concerns me," said 5th District Supervisor, Leticia Perez.
The move away from MCS could save the county $4.1 million over three years.
Supervisors will hear proposals only from MCS and the other companies on March 12th.