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Lake County employees tell school board PBM switch to Vivio left some without medications; union seeks bridge fills, better communication
Summary
LCEA representatives and other employees urged Lake County School Board to address prescription benefit problems since the district's midyear switch to Vivio, asking for bridge fills, after-hours support and clearer communications; board members and staff said they are working to resolve issues.
Members of the Lake County Education Association told the Lake County School Board on April 14 that a midyear switch to a new prescription benefit manager, Vivio, has left some employees unable to get essential medications.
At a public‑comment period following presentations, Elizabeth Emery, speaking as an LCEA representative, said district employees have faced “barriers to essential medications,” and asked the district for continued partnership to provide additional benefit support, bridge fills during open enrollment and clearer, earlier communications so staff can obtain medications without jeopardizing health or job performance.
Why it matters: Board members and staff said the issue affects employees’ health and their ability to serve students. Several trustees and the superintendent confirmed the district is engaged with staff and risk management to fix outstanding problems quickly.
Details from public comment and board discussion
Elizabeth Emery (LCEA representative) told the board the union has met recently with district leadership and the risk management office to raise concerns about the midyear transition and to request operational changes, including: bridge or “grace” fills while employees’ plans move to the new PBM; expanded benefit‑support hours so employees are not forced to call during instructional time; and a jointly produced FAQ to improve communication.
Kathy Smith (commenter) said many employees did not receive notice of the change until December, months after the district decision, which complicated access to medications and bridge fills. She said employees broadly accepted the change once they understood it, but stressed better and earlier notice would reduce disruption.
Board response and staff role
Chairperson Brandon Birr and several board members thanked LCEA representatives for raising the issues and said district staff, especially risk management director Rob Oyer and benefits staff, are working “24/7” to resolve claims and benefit access problems. Board member Dodd and others lauded collaborative meetings between district leaders and union representatives and encouraged continued dialogue; the superintendent said the district will keep working until outstanding issues are resolved.
What was not decided: The board did not take a formal vote or adopt a new policy at the meeting. No dollar amounts, vendor contracts, or timelines for a final fix were approved during the session; those details were not specified during public comment.
Ending: Board members invited continued joint work with the union and said another meeting is scheduled (one in May was referenced) to follow up. The district and LCEA agreed to continue collaborating on communications, bridge fills and after‑hours support until outstanding benefit access problems are resolved.
