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Germantown officials say 2025 medical plan ran under cost; Teladoc credited with savings
Summary
Dr. Castro told the Germantown School District personnel committee that the district's 2025 medical and prescription plan performed at 96% of premium equivalent, with Teladoc use generating an estimated $33,000 in avoided claims; the dental plan finished at 108% after expanded checkup benefits.
Germantown School District officials reported on the district's 2025 employee health plans at the personnel committee meeting Feb. 17, with a presenter saying the medical and prescription coverage performed below cost and Teladoc use helped limit claims.
"Our plan ... performed at 96% of the premium equivalent for the full year," Dr. Castro told the committee, noting that staying under 100% is a positive outcome for a self-funded plan. She characterized the result as "really, really well."
Dr. Castro said the dental plan closed the year at about 108% of premium equivalent, and highlighted a recently added "checkup plus" benefit that allows cleanings not to count against employees' deductibles; the district absorbed some of the related cost increases.
The presentation also emphasized the district's telehealth program. "You will also see ... avoided claims and net savings of $33,000," Dr. Castro said, and cited an internal survey showing that 58 percent of eligible users would have gone to an urgent care center if Teladoc had not been available. Committee members pressed on the cost and access details: members noted prior Teladoc pricing near $50 per visit and discussed recent adjustments intended to encourage use.
Officials told the committee they communicate benefits and wellness information through monthly emails and on-site sessions for employees, and said they would ask their vendor to produce a simple cost-comparison graphic (Teladoc vs. urgent care vs. ER) to help staff choose the most appropriate level of care. Dr. Castro said planning on plan design for 2027 is already under way.
The committee did not take any vote on benefit design at the meeting; the presentation served as an information item for future plan-year decisions.
