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District hears detailed briefing from Avail Benefits on self-funding, Fleet trust and risk-sharing readiness

Hardee County School Board · November 13, 2025
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Summary

Avail Benefits representative Darren Bridal briefed the Hardee County School Board on the district—s self-funded benefits program, Fleet trust market checks, and steps required to qualify for risk-sharing; he cited market comparisons, reserve metrics and potential cost impacts of returning to a fully insured plan.

Darren Bridal of Avail Benefits told the Hardee County School Board that the district—s employee benefits program is currently self-funded under a Fleet (formerly fSHIP) trust arrangement and that Fleet conducts market checks for network and administrative pricing.

Bridal said Fleet—s recent market check found UMR about 3–4% cheaper on average for provider pricing and that Fleet—s purchasing power and group pharmacy contracting provide savings compared with seeking coverage alone. He explained that the district—s plan year runs Oct. 1–Sept. 30 and that changes mid‑plan year are generally not feasible.

On financial readiness for risk-sharing, Bridal said the district—s financial dashboard shows reserves above the state—s filing requirement and that, based on recent history, Fleet actuaries estimated a relatively low probability (Bridal cited about 4%) of a repeat catastrophic shortfall. He cautioned that leaving self-funding and returning to a fully insured model could substantially increase costs; Bridal estimated a potential 35–40% increase to move back to fully insured coverage.

Board members pressed Avail and staff about the Fleet readiness tool and contract-effectuation standards (public records/sunshine requirements and dependent‑eligibility verification). Bridal said Fleet had rolled out a readiness tool and that the district needs to complete required documentation and meet three main criteria before becoming eligible for risk-sharing; the district plans monthly status meetings with its agent to monitor progress and ensure compliance before the end of the plan year.

Bridal offered to present a more detailed review to the insurance committee next week and to workshop readiness-tool items with the board.

What—s next: Avail/Fleet will return to the insurance committee with a more comprehensive presentation; the district will hold regular monthly checks to document readiness and finish required items before Fleet's qualification window.