Board approves Aspirus health plans after steep Security Health renewal; district to offer two networks

The Stevens Point Area Public School Board voted to contract with Aspirus Health Plan's Signature and Freedom networks and keep Delta Dental for employee dental coverage, effective July 1, 2025. The board approved the change after staff reported that the district's incumbent, Security Health Plan, submitted a 28.8% renewal while Aspirus offered a 9.5% renewal if the district offers both networks.

District Human Resources director Beth (presenting) told the board that the lower Aspirus renewal is contingent on offering employees a choice between the Signature network (which does not include Marshfield Clinic) and the Freedom network (which does). Beth said the district's estimate assumes roughly 30% of employees would select the Freedom network; under that scenario the district's additional cost would be about $1,800,000 for the coming plan year.

Why it matters: the higher renewal from Security Health would have sharply increased the district's health-care costs; the Aspirus proposal reduces that increase while preserving access to Marshfield Clinic for employees willing to accept a 20% cost share on services in the Freedom network.

District staff provided these particulars during the discussion: the Freedom option would carry a 20% coinsurance for services tied to Marshfield Clinic; Beth said the monthly premium differential to employees would be $3.05 per month for single coverage and $6.89 per month for family coverage if they select the Freedom network during open enrollment. The board was also told the proposed medical plans remain high-deductible plans with $3,000 (single) and $6,000 (family) deductibles and that the district would continue to fund the health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Beth said the district will run an open enrollment process (mid-to-late April timing discussed for enrollment communications) and that, absent a qualifying event, employees who select a network would remain on that network for the plan year. She also described the district's ongoing work with consultant M3 and a move toward greater direct contracting and eventual self-funding strategies the district is exploring.

Board member discussion addressed how many staff currently use Marshfield Clinic (Beth said about 18%) and how participation rates would affect renewal calculations. The board approved a motion to recommend contracting with Aspirus Health Plan (Signature and Freedom networks) and Delta Dental for district-eligible employees, with a motion made by Will (mover) and second by G (second); the motion carried.

Board action does not change that the district will continue monthly monitoring and may revisit funding options; staff said there is no multi-year cap on the renewal and the contract being approved is for one year.

Ending: The board approved the insurance vendor change as part of the human resources agenda, and staff will present enrollment materials and final plan documents to employees ahead of the 07/01/2025 effective date.