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Trustees approve stop‑loss medical and prescription insurance award, negotiations to finalize rate details
Summary
The board authorized staff to move forward with an award of stop‑loss medical and prescription coverage to Companion Life (as submitted by SA Benefits) subject to final negotiations and attorney review; staff said final premiums could change after claim reevaluation.
The Mercedes ISD Board authorized staff to award RFP No. 07-14-25-412 for stop-loss (medical and prescription) insurance to Companion Life, as presented by SA Benefits, subject to final negotiations and legal review.
Mr. Garza told trustees the submitted proposal dated Aug. 4 was based on claims data through June 30 and that updated claims information could lower the rate. He said the district previously carried a $150,000 specific deductible and the carrier asked for an additional deductible or "laser" on certain high-cost individuals; staff requested a revised specific deductible of $175,000 to avoid additional laser deductibles on individuals.
Trustees also discussed employee access and cost-control measures: Garza said the district has an urgent-care provider ready to accept patients with a $5 copay (not subject to deductible) beginning Aug. 1 pending a finalized fee schedule, and that expanded mail-order prescription options remain in place to reduce costs.
The board voted to approve the award subject to final negotiation and attorney review. Administration said the final premium could be adjusted downward after updated claims were submitted to underwriters.
Ending: Staff will return final negotiated numbers and contracts for district records and compliance.
