Poteau board adds Pre Med Defender as voluntary Section 125 benefit option for employees

The Poteau Public Schools Board approved adding Pre Med Defender as an optional voluntary benefit under the district’s Section 125 (cafeteria) plan.

Staff described Pre Med Defender as a vendor-driven secondary coverage option designed to reduce out-of-pocket exposure for employees who face large medical bills under an 80/20 coinsurance arrangement. Under the arrangement staff described, an employee who moves from the district’s HealthChoice High plan to HealthChoice Basic plus Pre Med Defender would have Pre Med Defender pay the 20% coinsurance gap as secondary insurance; staff said that for some employees the combined premium outcomes can be cost-neutral or even beneficial.

District staff emphasized the election is voluntary, administered by the third-party vendor, and would not create an employer cost or additional administrative work for the district beyond offering the option. The board voted to add the vendor option to the voluntary benefits list.

Separately, the board approved a $1,600 stipend to compensate the high-school coach who provides a sponsored radio “media interview” slot tied to football coverage; staff clarified that sponsorship dollars cover the stipend and no district general funds will be used.

Both motions were approved by roll call during the meeting.