Employees and trustees press Katy ISD on health plan denials, proposed premium and deductible increases

Summary

A 25‑year Katy ISD employee described denied tests and out‑of‑pocket costs under the district plan; staff presented proposed 2026 health plan changes including higher deductibles, PBM change from Express Scripts to H‑E‑B, and projected reductions in program deficits driven by higher pharmacy rebates.

A Katy ISD employee and 25‑year district staff member told the Board on Monday that employees are experiencing denials, confusing provider lists and out‑of‑pocket spending under the district health plan, and asked trustees to restore a benefits advisory committee so employees have a voice.

"We don't mind paying more if it means we get better care, but right now, we're paying more and getting less," Carrie Lowry, a Katy ISD employee, parent and district graduate, said during the public comment period. Lowry described denials for imaging and diagnostic tests and said one staff member paid out of pocket after a test was denied; she also said her husband, who has stage‑4 bladder cancer, underwent surgery without a stress test that his cardiologist had requested because the test had been denied.

Nut graf: The concerns raised in public comment were followed by a multi‑hour presentation and discussion of…

Employees and trustees press Katy ISD on health plan denials, proposed premium and deductible increases

Summary

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