Socorro ISD trustees review 2026 health‑plan options as district weighs one‑time infusion

At a Sept. 30 workshop, the Socorro Independent School District Board of Trustees heard presentation and discussion of options to address a projected shortfall in the district’s self‑funded employee health plan for the 2026 plan year.

Mario Carmona, director of Employee Benefits and Rates Management, told trustees the employee benefits advisory committee recommended adding $117 per employee per month to contributions, moving from three plan options to two (eliminating the richer “Premier” plan), and pursuing pharmacy utilization controls and wellness programs to contain costs. Carmona said those recommendations, applied to the district’s current plan designs, are reflected in multiple forecast scenarios staff provided.

The recommendations “included an increase in contributions of $117 per employee per month,” Carmona said. He also noted the district currently contributes $800 per employee annually to a health savings account for consumer‑driven plan enrollees. Liz Bibbo, a consultant with HUB International, explained how…