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River Falls board approves HealthPartners self-funded insurance and several routine items
Summary
The River Falls School Board voted to move to a self-funded HealthPartners plan for 2026–27 (estimated ~10% increase, higher max out-of-pocket with 80/20 coinsurance beyond deductible), approved two route buses and several personnel and policy items, and tabled a parking-lot project.
The River Falls School Board voted to approve a recommendation from district administration to move the district’s employee health coverage to a self-funded plan administered by HealthPartners for the 2026–27 school year.
Nate, the administration’s lead on benefits procurement, summarized a year-long bidding and review process with broker Gallagher and a district insurance study committee. Two insurers provided bids; after negotiations the administration recommended a HealthPartners self-funded option estimated to increase overall costs by about 10% while keeping deductibles the same and changing the plan’s structure so that coinsurance applies beyond the deductible. Staff described one commonly used design in the recommendation: an individual deductible of $2,000 and a family option (with a higher threshold), with coinsurance at 80% provider / 20% employee up to the new max out-of-pocket (presented in discussion as roughly twice the deductible). The administration said HSA contributions, premium contributions and most plan features would remain unchanged and that an in-home/telehealth program called CARA would be added.
The administration emphasized steps taken to limit risk under self-funding, including third-party administration by HealthPartners and stop-loss protections; staff also committed to informational sessions for employees and a standard open-enrollment process.
Board members discussed the estimates and noted that final costs depend on employee plan choices during open enrollment. The motion to approve HealthPartners and the self-funded design passed after a voice vote in which one member recorded opposition. The board recorded that the estimate included assumptions (everyone staying on current plans) and that the district will refine costs following employee elections in May.
Votes and other actions taken at the meeting included: approval of the consent agenda (minutes, bills, employment recommendations), first readings of several NEOLA policies (eligibility, health services, immunization language, transportation device language, and 'obeyance' wording), approval of new and revised job descriptions, renewal of CISA shared services (with the district dropping purchased district-level consulting days for now), approval of the summer capital maintenance list, and purchase of two 72-passenger route buses through Nelson’s Bus Service (competitive process disclosed). Administration also requested tabling a specific parking-lot improvement until more details are ready. The board moved into closed session to consider preliminary notices of non-renewal for certified staff.
Outcome at a glance: the HealthPartners self-funded insurance plan was approved; bus purchases and personnel/job-description items were approved; a parking-lot item was tabled; several policy changes advanced on first reading.
