The Board Work Session for Charles County Public Schools on March 24, 2025, addressed significant concerns regarding the recent changes to retiree health insurance benefits. The meeting began with a presentation from a retiree who expressed frustration over the transition to a new insurance plan that has caused difficulties in accessing medical services. The retiree highlighted issues with doctors not accepting the new insurance, particularly for critical procedures such as MRIs and lung transplants, and requested a meeting between retirees and benefits representatives to discuss these challenges.

In response, Dr. Navarro acknowledged the concerns raised and introduced Karen and Christina, who manage benefits for both current employees and retirees. They provided context on the transition, noting that the board has allocated funds in the upcoming budget to hire an additional staff member dedicated to retiree benefits, addressing the growing number of retirees needing assistance.

Christina detailed the advantages of the new Medicare Advantage Plan, which includes no deductibles, lower out-of-pocket maximums, and a nationwide network of doctors. However, she also noted the challenges in communication, as retirees are now required to contact Retiree First for claims assistance, rather than the previous direct support from Christina.

The board emphasized their commitment to supporting retirees during this transition, with plans to attend retiree association meetings and share information through social media platforms. They acknowledged the importance of clear communication and ongoing support to ensure retirees understand the new system and its benefits.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's proactive approach to addressing retiree concerns and improving the support structure for health insurance benefits, while also recognizing the complexities involved in such transitions. Further follow-up actions and meetings with retirees are anticipated to enhance understanding and resolve ongoing issues.