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Board approves employee dental and health plans with limited premium increases
Summary
The Janesville School District board approved a dental plan with no premium increase and a health plan with a negotiated 9.9% renewal and modest deductible increases to preserve HSA eligibility; the board voted 9-0 on both items.
The Janesville School District Board voted unanimously to approve employee dental and health insurance renewals effective July 1, 2026, after presentations by benefits lead Jamie Brown.
Jamie Brown told commissioners the district expected a 5% increase from the incumbent MetLife dental carrier but received an offer from Delta Dental that matched plan design and premiums, producing a 0% increase and expanding the provider network by roughly 250 dentists.
On the health plan, Brown said the district received an initial 11.9% renewal from Mercy but, after further negotiations and analysis of funding models, secured a 9.9% renewal. Brown explained the district's high medical-loss ratio (approximately 147) makes it difficult to attract national carriers. To maintain Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility the district must raise the deductible by $100 for single plans and $200 for family plans, an IRS-driven change rather than a district policy choice.
Board members asked for clarification on the defined-contribution model and how Mercy and Dean enrollees would be affected. Brown said the district pays 88% of the lowest-cost plan; historically competitive pricing between carriers changed and some employees (Dean enrollees) will see adjustments to take-home pay while Mercy enrollees will see relatively smaller premium changes. Brown estimated single-plan employee contributions at roughly $200 for Dean enrollees versus about $87 for Mercy, as context for the discussion.
The board approved the dental renewal and the health plan as presented by unanimous 9-0 votes. Brown and district staff said they would continue to communicate plan details to employees.
