Kings District Considers Switching Insurance to American Fidelity Amid 8.3% Health Premium Increase

In a recent meeting of the Kings Local Board of Education, key discussions centered around the district's insurance plans and employee management, reflecting both challenges and strategic decisions for the upcoming year.

As the meeting unfolded, the board addressed the potential switch to American Fidelity as the primary provider for various insurance products. This recommendation came after a thorough review by insurance consultants, who highlighted the benefits of American Fidelity's services, particularly their management of health reimbursement accounts (HRAs) and opt-out benefits. The board noted that many neighboring districts already partner with American Fidelity, which has proven to be a cost-effective choice, requiring no additional expenses for the district.

However, the news regarding health insurance renewal was mixed. The district is facing an 8.3% increase in health insurance costs this year, a figure that aligns with market trends. Despite this rise, the board emphasized that the overall costs remain lower than they were three years ago, thanks to previous strategic decisions, including a switch to the Swoosh consortium. This past success has allowed the district to weather the current increase without altering the benefits provided to staff.

In addition to health insurance, the board discussed dental insurance, which is currently under contract with MetLife. Here, a 6.1% premium increase was noted, prompting the board to consider exploring more competitive options in the future, although they are currently locked into their existing contract.

The meeting also touched on compliance matters, including investment reporting, which is required to be presented publicly and to the state of Ohio. The board reviewed the investment activities from the past year, ensuring transparency and adherence to regulations.

Another significant topic was the approval of employee calendars, which require meticulous alignment with union agreements and employee handbooks. The central office has dedicated considerable time to ensure that all days off, holidays, and breaks are accurately reflected, a task that becomes increasingly complex with a large workforce.

As the meeting concluded, the board reiterated its commitment to maintaining quality benefits for staff while navigating the financial landscape of insurance renewals and compliance requirements. The discussions highlighted the ongoing efforts to balance fiscal responsibility with the needs of the district's employees, setting the stage for future decisions that will impact the Kings Local community.