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Highlands County school employees report gaps in clinic services as contract nears end
Summary
Teachers and board members raised concerns that the district’s contracted clinic is scaling back services, with employees reporting redirected prescriptions, out-of-pocket costs and removal of telehealth benefits days before contract expiration.
Highlands County school employees and board members raised concerns at the board meeting about reduced services from the district’s contracted clinic and changes to employee benefits as the contract approaches its end.
Teacher Lionel Hanias, who identified himself as a Sebring High School teacher with 23 years in the district, told the board that generic medications usually available through the district clinic have frequently been unavailable and redirected to retail pharmacies. "They wanted her to pay $73.87 out of pocket for those," Hanias said of a recent prescription pickup for his wife. He said Teladoc — a telehealth benefit formerly available — has been removed and the district was told MDLive will replace it at a cost to employees starting at $59.
The concern, Hanias said, is that the clinic is "scaling back, months ahead of their contract ending," and that employees who pay premiums should not have to pay again for services the benefits previously covered.
The problem was discussed during the board comment period. Several board members asked staff to investigate and requested a report back on whether the clinic is meeting contractual obligations. Board member Mrs. Howerton said, "we need to look into it right away…we do have a contract until it's done," and requested that staff report back on the issue.
Superintendent Dr. Longshore and other board members thanked Hanias for bringing the matter to the board. No formal vote on the contract or benefits was taken at the meeting.
Context and next steps: Hanias described the clinic arrangement as a district contract that continues through the end of the calendar year but did not supply an exact contract expiration date. He said employees are experiencing redirected prescriptions, increased out-of-pocket expenses and changes to telehealth benefits; the district did not announce any immediate change in its provider during the meeting. Board members requested follow-up information from staff.
Ending: Board members signaled they expect a follow-up report; no formal action or contract amendment occurred during the meeting.
