POP Press Newsletter for POP Liaisons

JUNE 30, 2023

VOLUME 1

Newsletter Highlights Meet the POP Administrator Overview of the POP Program Best Practices for POP Liaisons

THE PAY OR PLAY PROGRAM MEET THE ADMINISTRATOR Walter Merrell II is the Pay or Play Program Administrator for the City of Houston. He oversees the administration of the program and ensures compliance by managing department Liaisons and updating policies, procedures, and project schedules. Mr. Merrell also manages the POP management system used for record keeping, data collection, payment information, and reporting. For more information about the program, you can contact Mr. Merrell at walter.merrell@houstontx.gov or visit POP Webpage. On the website, you can access POP Liaison contact information, tutorials for the POP Management System (B2G), required POP forms, information about the Client Access Program (CAP) and more.

A Message from the Director

JUNE 30, 2023

VOLUME 1

BEST BUSINESS PRACTICES FOR POP LIAISONS

POP PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Pay or Play (POP) Program was established on July 1, 2007, with Ordinance 2007-534 and governed by Executive Order 1-7. POP is important because it serves as a solution in creating a more level playing field by enhancing fairness in the bidding process between competing contractors who choose to offer health benefits to their workforce and those who do not. A City of Houston contractor of a contract valued at or above $100,000 and/or a subcontractor of a contract valued at or above $200,000 can choose to either "PAY" or "PLAY." To “pay” means that the City of Houston contractor or subcontractor contributes $1 per covered employee per regular hour for work performed under the contract with the City to the Contractors Responsibility Fund for their uninsured employee. To “play” means the City of Houston contractor or subcontractor agree to provide their employees a minimum level of healthcare benefits.

1. Review Request for Council Action (RCA) to ensure Pay or Play Program (POP) Eligibility with appropriate POP Status.

2. Review B2G to ensure contract/vendor(s) are assigned to the appropriate Department and POP Liaison (Workforce Compliance Officer).

3. Ensure vendor has access to B2G and the contract Workforce Settings are appropriate for the contract.

4. Contact vendor to introduce POP and yourself as POP Liaison.

A Message from the Director As we embark upon a new City fiscal year, the Office of Business Opportunity is pleased to roll out POP Press, our first ever newsletter focused on providing you with additional insights and guidance related to the City’s Pay or Play Program. Reportedly, the State of Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the U.S., with approximately 18% of its residents having no insurance. Recent analysis reveals that one in four Harris County residents are uninsured. These numbers make it clear that a program like Pay or Play continues to be needed to encourage employers to provide insurance for their employees or pay into a fund that will benefit the uninsured in the Harris County area. Thank you for doing your part in making this Program impactful in the community.

Sincerely, Marsha E. Murray