Board approves voluntary AirMed Care membership option for employees
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Summary
The district approved a voluntary AirMed Care membership program for employees, payable by payroll deduction and at the employee’s election; administrators said the membership covers air transport costs that typical insurance often does not fully cover.
The Haywood County School Board approved offering AirMed Care membership as a voluntary employee benefit paid through payroll deduction.
Superintendent Marsh and Dr. Bacher explained the district will not pay membership fees; employees who opt in will have the payroll deduction applied and can choose membership lengths from one to 10 years. Board presenters said the service supplements regular insurance — which typically does not cover the full cost of emergency air transport — and that helicopter transport bills can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Dr. Bacher explained payroll deduction will be the payment method and that membership “provides an opportunity for someone to get health care without growing extremely” large bills for air transport. Board members discussed county residency and availability; administrators noted the membership previously included a county‑resident benefit but Haywood County employees live both inside and outside the county and the membership will be optional.
The board approved the contract on a motion by Ms. Farrington, seconded by Mr. Banchard; vote was by voice and carried.