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Frederick County Schools to raise deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums; employee premiums held steady
Summary
The district told its Personnel Committee June 8 that plan deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums will increase effective Oct. 1, but there will be no employee premium increases; FCPS said it absorbed $7.1 million in plan cost increases this year.
Toshika, a benefits staff member for Frederick County Public Schools, told the Personnel Committee on June 8 that the district will change benefit plan design elements — primarily plan deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums — with changes effective Oct. 1.
"No increases in the employee premiums," Toshika said, adding that FCPS has absorbed the $7.1 million increase in plan costs this year. Staff emphasized there will be no changes to the Anthem network or co-pays; the changes focus on deductible and out-of-pocket thresholds for plan options. Annual enrollment for employees is planned for the last two weeks of August.
Officials said the two primary plan options are the KeyCare plan and an HSA option; they recommended ways to minimize out-of-pocket exposure such as using an FSA with KeyCare or contributing to the HSA option. The division did not state any change to employee premium rates and framed the design moves as a way to limit future cost pressure while avoiding direct premium increases this year.
Staff said they will provide details to employees ahead of the annual enrollment period so staff can make plan selections and adjustments during the enrollment window.
