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Paraprofessional says insurance change will cost her thousands, urges board to review options
Summary
Jessica Wilson, a paraprofessional at Oakwood Intermediate, told the College Station ISD trustees that a recent plan change eliminated an affordable PPO option and would raise her payroll contribution from $29 to $147 per pay period, cutting about $2,800 from her annual take-home pay and risking loss of medical providers and equipment.
Jessica Wilson, a paraprofessional at Oakwood Intermediate, told the College Station ISD board she and other employees were left without an affordable PPO after the district’s comparison between Blue Cross Blue Shield and a new Scott & White plan omitted an equivalent PPO option.
"Under the Blue Cross plan, I paid $29 a paycheck. Under the new Scott and White option, the only PPO plan available will cost me a $147 a paycheck," Wilson said, calling that roughly a $2,800 reduction in her annual take-home pay. She said the change could force her to lose durable medical equipment and providers because many specialists do not accept HMO plans.
Wilson urged trustees to survey employees, ensure access to out-of-network care and maintain an affordable PPO alternative when the district next solicits health-insurance options. "For me a PPO is not a preference, it's a medical necessity," she said.
The board listened but did not take action during public comment; the chair reminded speakers that comments on items not on the agenda are for the record and that related matters may be discussed when the board deliberates on specific agenda items.
