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Oracle Elementary District renews employee health plan; budgets $391,687 for 2025–26
Summary
The Oracle Elementary School District board approved renewal of employee health insurance through ASBAIT for the 2025–26 plan year, budgeting an estimated $391,687 and offering Banner Value Silver at no employee premium with optional buy‑ups.
The Governing Board of Oracle Elementary School District No.2 voted April 14 to renew employee health insurance through the Arizona School Board Association Insurance Trust for the 2025–26 plan year, budgeting an estimated $391,687 for premiums.
Superintendent Nehrmeyer told the board that nationwide health insurance rates are rising about 8.5% on average and that an alternative pool, Kairos, is expecting a 14% increase. The district’s ASBAIT pool will see an estimated 5.75% increase for the coming plan year after a 12.7% increase in 2024–25, Nehrmeyer said.
Nehrmeyer recommended offering Banner Value Silver for eligible employees with no monthly premium required of the employee, and allowing employees to buy up (at the employee’s cost) to Banner Value Gold for an additional $28 per month or Banner Classic Gold for an additional $96 per month. The district also proposed a dental allowance of $11.48 per month, ASBAIT vision coverage at $6.40 per month (with an employee option to buy up to VSP), and $25,000 life insurance for $5.13 per month. Employees may add spouse or family coverage at additional cost, Nehrmeyer said.
Board members asked for context on the range of ASBAIT rates (noted to be between 4.75% and 6.75%) and why claims costs exceed premiums paid; Nehrmeyer cited pharmaceutical costs as a key driver. Jeri Taylor moved to approve the renewal and Joy Reid seconded; the motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: the district will proceed with the ASBAIT plan offerings for 2025–26 and incorporate the approved line item into the proposed budget for presentation at the June meeting.
