The Salem School Board voted unanimously on July 29 to adopt a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) administered through Voya Financial and authorized the board chair to sign the adoption agreement and related documents. Debbie Payne, assistant superintendent for business operations, told the board the district began offering the HRA on July 1 and is using Voya for documentation and filing related to Anthem claims.

“The district is now offering the health reimbursement arrangement to individuals who have chosen a particular plan,” Payne said, and administrators requested formal acceptance of a resolution and signature on the adoption agreement. Payne explained the HRA is employer-funded (no employee pre-tax contribution) and funds may be used for deductible costs only; the district will pay up to 50% of a $3,000 deductible in a structured cost-share arrangement.

Board members asked clarification questions about selections in the adoption paperwork and coverage dates. Payne said Voya allows back-dated signature of documents and confirmed the plan is effective July 1 and the district has not yet processed reimbursements through the HRA. Enrollment for the offering is about 240 employees.

Board Member Michael Carney moved adoption of the HRA resolution and to authorize the chair to sign the adoption agreement; the motion was seconded and passed 5-0. The board recorded a separate procedural exchange confirming the chair will sign the agreement in her official capacity.