The following is an historical outline of the WFCA Health Care Contract and Insurance Rate Stabilization Reserve Account (IRSRA)
In 1979 the health care contract, policy owner/holder Washington Fire Commissioners Association, produced a $95,000 surplus (expenses, claims versus premium income). The contractor, Washington Physicians Service, sent the $95,000 to the Washington Fire Commissioners Association because of stipulations in the contract that required Washington Physicians Service to return surpluses to the policy owner, and further that shortages would be paid by the policy owner to the contractor.
This event triggered discussions, meetings and considerations to determine the liability of the Washington Fire Commissioners Association for shortages as well as what would happen to surpluses if the WFCA declined to accept. With involvement and guidance from the state auditor, the attorney general and a private trust attorney, it was determined that the liability for the Washington Fire Commissioners Association for losses could easily bankrupt the association and that the surplus should be preserved to protect liability of the association and to benefit participating fire districts rather than be distributed to stockholders of the contractor.
Two major occurrences followed:
The Washington Fire Commissioners Association adopted Resolution No. 12-80(b) on the recommendation of the state auditor, the state attorney general and the private attorney hired. The original members of the committee were appointed (and serve at the pleasure of) the Board of the Washington Fire Commissioners Association. The authorities, responsibilities, obligations and operational procedures are clearly established in Resolution No. 12-80(b). All records of the IRSRA Committee (commonly referred to as the Health Care Committee), both as to meetings and finances, are open and available.
The following individuals currently serve as members of the Health Care Committee:
Chair: Jack Hensley, Commissioner, Spokane 4
Member: James Farrell, Commissioner, Mountain View Fire and Rescue
Member: Gene Carmody, Commissioner, Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue
Member: Bill Gates, Commissioner, South King Fire & Rescue
NOTE: If you would like specific information regarding the health care program, please
call Tom Treves at 1.877.866.9322.
NVFC Junior Firefighter Applications Due May 15.
Chief Jim Shields (Poulsbo Fire Department) Retirement Celebration.
New website launched for WFCA Health Care Program.
The Chelan Seminar is May 31st!
