FORT SCOTT — USD 234 is trying to bring down a proposed 53% increase in its health insurance rates, with recommendations expected at the board’s November meeting.
“We saw a 53% proposed increase in our rates and that’s just not doable,” Assistant Superintendent Terry Mayfield told the board Oct. 12. Mayfield said the district had a very bad claims year, with a 140% loss ratio. Early proposals from other carriers showed no real difference from Blue Cross Blue Shield, the current carrier, and the district was waiting on more quotes.
Mayfield said the options include changing plan designs, such as higher deductibles, and using part of the district’s health insurance reserve to buy down the increase, while keeping enough in reserve. Having employees take on part of the increase was also raised. “If we could get down to probably a 15 to 20% increase based on what our claims loss was last year, I’d feel pretty good about that, even though that’s pretty painful,” Mayfield said.
Mayfield said the benefits committee would bring proposals back for the November board meeting. The board’s next regular meeting is Monday, Nov. 9.