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Board approves 2026 insurance rates as district outlines rising medical-benefit costs
Summary
Pickerington Local approved 2026 insurance rates (health +9.9%, dental +1.5%, vision -3%) while district leaders warned medical-benefit costs now account for about $19.9 million (roughly 12% of the budget) and touted a negotiated admin-fee reduction that could save roughly $549,000 over the contract term.
The Pickerington Local School District board approved recommended insurance-rate changes for calendar-year 2026 after the insurance committee presented claims data and a consensus recommendation.
Mr. Walsh said the committee (with data provided by Anthem and partners including Aon) recommended health-rate increases of 9.9% for 2026, a dental increase of 1.5% (composite rate) and a vision decrease of 3%. He said the board—ontribution is capped at $55 per enrolled member per month.
In a related financial update, Dr. Smialek and staff described the district's medical benefit plan as a growing budgetary pressure. "The medical benefit plan actually makes up approximately 12% of our total budget," Dr. Smialek said, and staff forecast $19.9 million in medical benefit expenditures for the year, up from $16.9 million two years earlier.
Dr. Smialek highlighted successful negotiations with Anthem on administrative fees. "We pay $44.55 just for administration... We've been able to negotiate ... a cost of $40.85," he said, adding the change will save about $549,000 over the life of the three-year contract. He emphasized that the district covers roughly 80% of medical costs while employees contribute about 20%.
Board members asked whether the district benchmarked the 9.9% increase against industry trends; Mr. Walsh said the committee uses weighted claims-period averages and cross-industry inputs but did not provide a direct peer-comparison figure at the meeting.
The board moved, seconded and approved the insurance rates by roll call.
