Wake County examines sliding scale dental premium plan for employees

During the recent Wake County Schools work session, a significant discussion centered around the proposed changes to the dental benefits plan for employees. The meeting highlighted concerns raised by staff regarding the potential elimination of dental benefits, which officials clarified was not the case. Instead, the proposal involves shifting a portion of the dental premium costs from the district to employees, prompting discussions about implementing a sliding scale based on employee salaries.

Currently, over 16,000 full-time employees participate in the dental plan, with the district covering a substantial portion of the premiums. Employees currently pay $6 per month for their own coverage, while the district contributes an additional $28. The proposed changes could lead to substantial savings for the district—estimated at $2.5 million in the first year and $5 million annually thereafter—if the premium shift occurs.

The sliding scale concept, inspired by the state health plan's considerations, aims to adjust employee contributions based on salary bands. For instance, lower-income employees might pay reduced premiums, while higher earners would pay the full amount. Various scenarios were presented during the meeting, illustrating how different sliding scales could impact both employee costs and district savings.

While the sliding scale is still a theoretical exercise, it reflects the district's commitment to addressing employee concerns while managing budgetary constraints. The board is expected to continue exploring these options, balancing the need for cost savings with the importance of maintaining valuable employee benefits. As discussions progress, the community will be watching closely to see how these changes will affect local educators and staff.