Members of the Lake County Education Association and other employees told the Lake County School Board April 14 that a mid-year switch to a new prescription benefit manager has created ongoing access problems to essential medications.

Elizabeth Emery, representing the LCEA, said employees “have been facing barriers to essential medications and that has consequences on their health, their peace of mind, and their ability to serve the students of Lake County Schools.” Emery told the board that the union and district have met with the risk-management director and requested additional after-hours benefit support, “grace fills or bridge fills” during open enrollment transitions, and better advance notice and clearer communication materials such as a joint FAQ.

Cathy Smith, who spoke after Emery, said many employees were not notified of the change until December and that “there are still several people who unfortunately are still affected by, the benefits and changing the PBM to Vimeo.” She echoed calls for improved communication and said district presence at a coming May 15 meeting in Umatilla would be helpful.

Board members and Superintendent Carnegie acknowledged the concerns publicly and said district benefits staff, led by risk-management staff including Rob Oyer, have been working to address problems. Board members said they expected continued collaboration between the district and LCEA, and asked staff to pursue the bridge-fill and FAQ options raised during public comment. No formal board action was recorded on the benefit issues at the meeting; LCEA said follow-up meetings are planned.