Caroline schools select Pierce Group as new supplemental benefits provider; open enrollment set for Aug. 4–15

Caroline County Public Schools staff recommended Pierce Group as the division’s new supplemental benefits provider after a multi-stakeholder review, staff said Thursday.

Paige Tucker, who led the presentation, said the selection process included a February staff survey that produced 52 responses, a selection panel that included teachers and finance and HR representatives, and presentations from three providers. “From the feedback collected, several key priorities emerged,” the presenter said, listing affordability, provider network strength, enrollment ease and efficient claims processing.

Staff reported that Pierce Group’s offerings include legal and financial assistance, identity-theft protection and student-loan assistance. Staff emphasized portability — employees can retain coverage at the same cost after leaving the district — and enrollment protections such as guaranteed issue, guaranteed renewability and credit for time insured. “Employees are not required to switch,” a presenter said.

Rollout steps include updating the division benefits web pages by mid-May, weekly staff updates, school-based information sessions in May and on-site support during open enrollment (Aug. 4–15). Staff said Pierce would provide billing-concierge services and on-site enrollment assistance during open enrollment days.

Board members asked about outreach to employees not present during the open-enrollment period; staff said outreach will begin in May with school visits and Insider communications, and that the Aug. 4 open-enrollment start corresponds with the staff return date for the 2025–26 school year.

The presentation was informational; the transcript records no formal board vote or contract award during the meeting.