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School board adopts HealthKeepers network for employee medical plan after debate, 4‑2
Summary
Following a detailed presentation from McGriff Insurance, the board voted 4‑2 to adopt the Anthem HealthKeepers network to lower projected premium increases; some board members cited concerns about provider participation and employee access.
After extended discussion and a presentation from benefits consultant Kendall Keffer of McGriff Insurance, the Franklin County School Board voted 4‑2 to adopt the Anthem HealthKeepers network for the district’s medical benefits plan.
Keffer told the board that using the HealthKeepers network (an HMO‑style network expanded by Anthem) would reduce the division’s projected renewal from about 9.78% to roughly 6.2–6.8%, primarily because HealthKeepers’ reimbursement rate assumptions are lower than the current PPO/network. Keffer said a one‑month adjustment to claims experience (replacing an unusually high claims month with a lower month) also materially improved the renewal projection.
Board members expressed concern about provider participation. Administration noted one local provider, Smith Mountain Lake Family Practice, does not participate in the HealthKeepers network; Keffer and staff said their disruption analysis showed roughly 98–99% of the division’s claims dollars would remain in‑network and that most employees would retain access to their usual providers. The consultants estimated the change would increase typical employee cost by roughly $10–$15 per month for individual plans; family plans could face larger changes (estimates discussed were on the order of $150–$200 per month depending on plan choice and coverage tier).
Trustees first considered a motion to retain the current plan with the higher projected renewal; that motion resulted in a 3–3 tie and failed to carry. A subsequent motion to adopt HealthKeepers passed on a roll‑call vote: Miss Greer (yes), Mr. Agee (yes), Ms. Whiting (yes), Ms. Slocum (yes), Dr. David (no), and Mr. Worley (no). Board members said the choice balanced cost control for the division with minimizing material plan design changes that would otherwise be required to hold the district’s liability steady.
Administration and McGriff said they would continue outreach to employees to explain the network change and the expected effects on provider access, reimbursements and projected employee premium shares.
