County Conversations

NYMIR 101 - The Basics of Municipal Insurance

Local government operations are fraught with risk. From parks and playgrounds, to law enforcement and landfills, how can counties manage and secure affordable coverage for the risk associated with the essential services they provide?

In this episode, NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne is joined by Kevin Crawford, NYMIR’s Executive Director, and Susan O'Rorke President of NYMIR’s management company, Wright Risk Management for an primer on what major risk management issues county governments are facing, how premium pricing is set for local governments, and how NYMIR is uniquely equipped to handle coverage and risk management services for counties.

Visit NYMIR.org for more information.

Commemoration Celebrations and the Role of County Historians

This episode features a conversation on commemorating the 200^th anniversary of the founding of Livingston County. Joining us to discuss bicentennial celebrations and the unique function of local historians is Livingston County Historian Amie Alden. 

 

Visit Livingston County’s website to read more about the celebrations planned for the community. 

 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, NYSTEC. 

An Rx for Savings: County Prescription Discount Card

This episode features a conversation on pharmacy benefits management, the role of pharmacies in vaccination efforts throughout the state, and a prescription discount card program that has cumulatively saved NY residents across 49 counties over $277 million on over 7.3 million prescriptions.

Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark LaVigne for the conversation are representatives from a long-standing partner of NYSAC’s, ProAct, a division of KPH Healthcare Services.

Visit www.proactmedsavings.com/proact/ny for more information on the Prescription Savings Program.

Into Action - County Leadership & the COVID Pandemic Part II

This episode is the second in a series NYSAC is producing that chronicles the county response to COVID-19.

Seven county executives from Chautauqua, Rensselaer, Onondaga, Monroe, Ontario, Erie, and Montgomery Counties share stories of innovation and adaptation as county leaders stepped up to provide residents, businesses and first responders with the equipment and information they needed to stay safe and do their jobs.

Marc Molinaro, Dutchess County Executive and President of the New York State County Executives’ Association provides an introduction for the episode.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, LetsGetChecked.

Building Confidence in the COVID-19 Vaccine

This episode features public health experts who will discuss strategies and messaging that county leaders and local health officials can use to reassure the public of the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage everyone eligible to get vaccinated. 

Giving an introduction is Dr. Kevin Watkins, President of the New York State Association of County Health Officials, and Public Health Director for Cattaraugus County. He’ll pass off the presentation to Dr. Brian Castrucci, the president and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation.

To view their full presentation from a recent webinar, visit NYSAC’s YouTube channel.

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, Bonadio Group CPAs and Consultants

A Better Option for Affordable Dental Care and Other Health Benefits

This episode features a conversation with NYSAC partner Health Economics Group, a third-party administrator that designs and manages employee benefits plans for municipalities and non-profits that encompass dental, medical, prescription drugs and more.  

Joining NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark Lavigne to discuss cost-saving programs that benefit the residents of New York’s counties are Steve Hooper, President of HEG, and Len Lanphear, HEG’s Marketing Director.

For more information, visit https://www.heginc.com/nysac/

Celebrating Earth Day with Senator Michelle Hinchey and County Executive Pat Ryan

This episode celebrates Earth Day with conversations on innovative environmental policies and priorities at the state and local level.

Up first, NYSAC’s Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire is joined by Senator Michelle Hinchey to discuss appropriations in the state budget and other legislation that will have a significant impact on environmental protection and climate resiliency.

Next up, you’ll hear from NYSAC’s Legislative and Policy Coordinator Alex LaMonte. Joining her for a conversation on the County’s “Green New Deal” is Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, ChargePoint. 

The 2022 State Budget: What’s in it for Counties?

This episode features a conversation on the recently passed $212 dollar state budget. Our legislative team details areas of the state budget that will impact a range of county functions, departments, services, and programs. NYSAC’s Communications Director Tom Oldfather, Legislative Director Ryan Gregoire, Director of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs Dave Lucas, and Counsel Patrick Cummings outline key takeaways for county leaders. 

NYSAC thanks our sponsor, PERMA - Public Employer Risk Management Association

Donate Life - How Counties and Individuals Can Help Give the Gift of Life

This episode features a conversation on organ and tissue donation, in recognition of National Donate Life Month. Joining NYSAC's Multimedia Specialist Kate Pierce for the conversation is the Executive Director at Donate Life New York State, Aisha Tator. We’ll talk about the current need in the state for organ transplants, dispel some common misconceptions, and discuss how counties can encourage organ donor registration.

We are also grateful to be joined by Lauren and Jeanne Shield to tell us about their recipient and donor experiences. Not only is Lauren a heart recipient, but last year when she needed a kidney her mother, Jeanne, donated hers.

Visit donatelifenys.org  to find more information about how to get involved and raise awareness for National Donate Life Month  

Understanding Fertility Benefits Management with Winfertility

This episode features a conversation on fertility benefits coverage, recent legislative changes pertaining to these benefits, and options for counties to utilize clinical management services.

NYSAC’s Deputy Director Mark Lavigne is joined by Peter Nieves of Winfertility for the conversation. Winfertility provides advocacy and care throughout fertility benefit management, including medical and pharmacy, genetic testing, egg freezing, surrogacy, adoption and reproductive behavioral health support.  Contact: PNieves@winfertility.com