Board approves 4.6–5% employee health plan increase and raises supplemental cap

District benefits staff and committee representatives presented employee insurance recommendations and a supplemental plan option at the April 27 meeting.

A committee representative summarized the recommended increase, telling the board that "this year, the increase is going to be between 4.6 and 5 depending on which plan you choose." Staff explained that plan designs include higher-deductible options and that a "Passport" plan provides the broadest network access. The presentation described how single, single-plus-one and family pricing can vary because of utilization patterns and actuarial pricing.

Benefits staff also recommended adjusting a supplemental plan cap to $1,500 (from $1,000) to better cover costs such as dental work. A presenter said the supplemental option had been monitored and adjusted based on utilization and that the $500 increase would help employees for higher-cost services.

The board moved to approve the recommendations, a motion was seconded and the vote carried.

Next steps: approved plan changes will be implemented in next plan-year administration and staff will continue to communicate enrollment choices and plan details to employees.