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Arlington ISD trustees press for options as TRS ActiveCare claims remain high
Summary
Trustees and staff heard a detailed update on TRS ActiveCare participation, where district claims have exceeded premiums for years; staff outlined risks, options and an intent to prioritize incentives and stricter wellness accountability before considering an opt-out.
Arlington — Trustees spent an extended portion of the Nov. 20 meeting on the district's employee health plan after a staff update on TRS ActiveCare participation, claims and options.
Holly (district benefits lead) said the district has approximately 8,500 employees eligible for medical coverage, with roughly 4,900 enrolled in TRS ActiveCare this year. She told the board that increased district contributions appeared to drive a recent boost in enrollment. "We do have about 8,500 employees approximately who are eligible to enroll in our medical. This year ... we had about 4,900 employees enroll in TRS ActiveCare Medical," she said.
Staff warned trustees that Arlington ISD has consistently experienced claims above premiums — recent years showed claims ratios in the 122%–137% range — and noted the uncertainty of TRS rates for 2026 because of state-level funding changes. "We have consistently been above a 100 a 122% or more," Holly said when describing historical claims ratios.
Consultant Scott Kahl and staff described the trade-offs if the district pursues withdrawal from TRS: some districts that left saw short-term premium instability or higher costs during transition; others joined consortiums that later proved unsustainable. Trustees and staff discussed strengthening incentive structures so employees who participate in wellness programs and reach health goals receive larger premium contributions or other rewards. District staff committed to returning with a proposal for strengthening incentives and monitoring within 60–90 days, and to present a fuller plan tied to the budget cycle in January.
Trustees expressed frustration at the long-running nature of the issue and urged clear options and market pricing analysis. The board did not take formal action on an opt-out; administrators said they would continue analysis and work toward proposals that would reduce claims and provide sustainable premiums before recommending any departure from TRS.
