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CCPS presented 2026 health and dental renewal with proposed new standard plan to curb projected rate rise
Summary
Consultant Charlene Kinsey told the board the baseline blended medical renewal recommendation was 11.8% for 2026 but staff proposed adding a lower‑cost 'standard' POS plan and active enrollment to reduce the projected increase to ~5.6%; dental stays with Delta Dental with plan enhancements and an 8.7% rate rise.
Consultant Charlene Kinsey (USI Insurance) told the school board the county and schools face higher medical claims and loss ratios heading into the 2026 plan year and recommended planning for an initial blended 11.8% budget increase.
Kinsey presented claims data (May 2023–April 2025) showing the largest claim increases were in the $100,000–$400,000 band and warned the stop‑loss renewal (Anthem) is illustrative until Anthem issues a firm renewal in September. She said the county and schools will negotiate final stop‑loss terms after Anthem’s formal release.
To limit the overall rate increase, Kinsey and staff proposed a plan‑design change: rename the current point‑of‑service plan as the “premium” plan, add a new lower‑cost “standard” POS plan with a higher deductible and facility coinsurance, and keep the HSA plan unchanged. Kinsey said incorporating those changes and achieving a 15% enrollment shift from the premium to the new standard plan through active enrollment outreach would reduce the projected renewal from 11.8% to about 5.6%.
On dental, Kinsey said the joint county‑school RFP committee recommended staying with Delta Dental for a 2026 five‑year contract. Dental rates are projected to rise 8.7% for 2026 while adding plan enhancements: higher annual maximums, increased lifetime orthodontia caps on two plans, and a Right Start for Kids benefit that provides 100% coverage for in‑network dental care for children under 13 (excluding orthodontics). Chesterfield will continue a $10 per employee per month payroll contribution, valued at about $1.86 million.
During Q&A, board members asked for clarifications on enrollment assumptions, co‑pay changes (examples cited: premium plan office‑visit co‑pay moving to $30 and the standard plan to $50), and active enrollment tactics (recorded presentations, benefit guides, in‑person office hours) intended to drive the enrollment shift. Kinsey emphasized that the stop‑loss illustration will be revised once Anthem issues the final renewal and that staff will negotiate to lower proposed increases.
What happens next: staff will run an active enrollment campaign, finalize negotiations with Anthem after the firm stop‑loss renewal, and present final proposed rates and recommended plan options for board approval in the budget cycle.
