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Board approves FY26 employee health and welfare plan after staff review; medical costs rise about 5%
Summary
The board approved the district's FY26 health and welfare plan renewal. District HR reported a roughly 4.9% medical-rate increase, an estimated $35 per-employee monthly increase for single coverage, and a roughly $175,000 total increase to the district budget.
The Casa Grande Union High School District governing board voted April 14 to approve the fiscal year 2026 employee health and welfare benefits plan, accepting a package of medical, dental, vision, life and disability coverage recommended by district staff.
Glenda Cole, the district's director of human resources, briefed the board on the plan and said medical premiums increased less than staff had anticipated. “The increase is about 5%,” Cole said, adding the district contribution for single coverage rises from about $705 to about $738 per employee — “a $35 increase per employee in the district.” Cole told the board the district solicited proposals and recommended remaining with the current carrier, Kairos.
Other points Cole presented: Delta Dental and the district's vision plan through Avisis show 0% rate increases; short-term disability showed no increase; voluntary life insurance rates rose sharply in percentage terms but represented roughly a $15,000 increase in district cost; the flexible spending account (FSA) plan saw no increase. Cole estimated the medical plan change adds roughly $172,000–$175,000 to district costs for FY26.
Board members asked about family coverage costs and possible ways to reduce dependent premiums. One board member summarized family premium estimates as “like 400 or 500 up to $600 per pay period” and asked staff to continue exploring options. Cole and district staff said the district participates in pooled purchasing with other school districts and is evaluating participation in the state health plan;
The board moved, seconded and unanimously approved the FY26 employee health and welfare benefit plan renewal as presented. Staff noted an added dual-spouse/family option that may lower costs for households in which both spouses work for the district.
