Auburndale School District to switch employee health coverage to Security Health Plan; enrollment runs May 1–15

Auburndale School District will move its employee health coverage to Security Health Plan effective July 1, district and broker representatives told staff during a benefits presentation. Open enrollment begins May 1 and closes May 15; staff must use that window to add, drop or change coverage unless they experience a qualifying life event.

Jen, an M3 benefits broker, said the district’s current carrier, Aspirus, will remain in place through June 30 and the coalition of roughly a dozen districts represented by M3 will transition to Security Health Plan on July 1. "This is your one opportunity to add, change, drop, or wave coverage," Jen said, describing the annual-enrollment rules.

Why it matters: the broker and district staff framed the move as part of ongoing efforts to keep premiums predictable through a multi-district consortium. Presenters said the consortium’s pooling helped avoid single-year spikes some districts reported in the 20–30% range, and that Security Health Plan’s negotiated discounts with Marshfield Clinic Health System supported lower projected rate adjustments.

Plan choices and networks: Security Health Plan will offer two HMO network options to Auburndale employees. Teresa, a Security Health Plan representative, described "Simply One," a Marshfield Clinic–only network (11 hospitals, roughly 60 clinics and local specialty services), and "Premier," a broader network including Aspirus and Mayo Clinic Health System and several local independents. Employees who receive most care from Marshfield Clinic were advised that Simply One typically offers the deepest discounts; Premier preserves access to a wider set of providers.

Dependent coverage and forms: Presenters said employees with dependents who live or attend school outside the district’s service area must complete an out-of-area dependent certification form to maintain in-network coverage for that dependent; the form requires a physical address (dorm entries must give a street address). Presenters emphasized the form must be updated whenever the dependent’s residence changes.

Cost-sharing changes and deductibles: The district’s plan design remains HMO-based with calendar-year, embedded deductibles. For the July 1 plan year presenters gave the single deductible as $1,650 and the family deductible at $3,300 on one described plan option, with co-insurance paying 100% after the deductible and out-of-pocket maximums noted as $2,650 (single) and $5,300 (family) on that option. Prescription tiers were shown as $10 (generic), $30 (preferred brand) and $60 (non-preferred brand); specialty medications will move to 25% coinsurance up to an additional $1,000 (previously 25% up to $250), which could raise members’ cost exposure for very high-cost drugs while the overall out-of-pocket maximum stays the same.

HSA and employer contributions: Presenters reviewed 2025 HSA limits and the district contribution: the 2025 IRS maximums cited were $4,300 (single) and $8,550 (family). The district will contribute $1,350 for single plans and $2,700 for family plans, leaving employee contribution capacities of $2,950 (single) and $5,850 (family). Employees aged 55 and older remain eligible for a catch-up contribution.

Dental and other benefits: Dental coverage will continue through Delta Dental of Wisconsin under a PO provider network with an annual maximum of $1,500; routine exams, cleanings and x-rays were described as covered at 100%. Presenters also described an over-the-counter benefit (a $30-per-quarter catalog order), a telemedicine option (Care My Way) that generally costs $45 for members on high-deductible plans and applies to the deductible, and an opt-in RX Savings Solutions program that searches for lower-cost pharmacies and can arrange pharmacy changes if members opt in.

District-purchased preventive medication list: Presenters said Auburndale School District has purchased an expanded preventive-medication list as an employer-funded enhancement. Drugs on that list (examples given: certain asthma, blood-pressure, diabetes and heart medications) will be covered at 100% before the deductible; presenters advised staff to review the list with their providers to see whether a covered alternative applies to them.

Next steps and contacts: The enrollment form will be emailed to employees by the end of the next workday, and all enrollment changes must be submitted by May 15. Presenters invited staff to seek one-on-one help from Teresa (Security Health Plan), Wendy or Jen (M3) or the district HR contact Lynn for transfer-of-care or prescription-transition questions. Staff were reminded they will remain on Aspirus through June 30 and should expect new ID cards or to use the My Security Health Plan app after July 1.

What remains unclear from the presentation: presenters gave an example guarantee that "if we get enough enrollments on Simply One, they guarantee that our next year's rate increase will be less than 12%" but did not provide the underlying written rate guarantee language during the meeting; employees seeking contract terms were directed to HR or the broker for specifics.

The district closed the presentation by thanking staff for their work and encouraging questions and follow-up appointments with plan representatives.