USD 443 to switch employee PPO network to Aetna after provider-network issues

Tara Schroeder of human resources told the USD 443 board the insurance committee recommended switching the district's preferred-provider network to Aetna, effective Oct. 1, 2025, to address ongoing provider-network disruptions. Schroeder said the committee had previously voted in May to maintain core benefits but reconvened after learning local providers were leaving the district's current PPO network, which could have caused district employees to be treated as out-of-network. She described prior network disruptions and a lapse in communication between local providers, the network processor and the insurer. "We just felt it would be best to get out of that current network and have a new network processing," she said. She said the move is intended to be budget neutral for the district. Schroeder cautioned that some local providers may initially be out-of-network in Aetna and that the district and committee would continue to work with providers and staff throughout the transition year to limit impacts. "It will still be a give and take," she said. The board voted 4–0 to approve the network change. Ending: HR said it will continue outreach to employees and local providers and examine broader insurance options over the coming year, while monitoring provider-network participation and employee impacts during the transition to Aetna.