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Scobey K-12 panel approves Bridge Health insurance program, board cites immediate savings
Summary
The Scobey K-12 Schools voted unanimously to adopt a Bridge Health employee insurance program after a presentation noting an estimated ~12% first-year savings and fixed rates for the first two years; dental and vision options remain under development.
The Scobey K-12 Schools approved a new employee insurance contract with Bridge Health following a brief presentation and a unanimous voice vote.
Presenter (S3) said the carrier supplied fixed rates and projected immediate savings: "So you're gonna save anywhere from 12% the 1st year," and that Bridge Health fixed its rates off Medicare, guaranteeing rates "3.5 to 5.5 percent" for years one and two. S3 added that the district's existing insurer is assumed to rise about 10 percent, which is a primary driver of the estimated savings.
The presenter described the network as "Alliance" and said Bridge Health is working on vision and dental offerings; at present the district provides a $100 annual reimbursement for a single dental or vision visit. "Vision, dental is so horrible," S3 said, noting those benefits remain under development and that employees would be able to choose between available options.
Board member Mitch moved to adopt the program "as presented." The motion was seconded by the Chair and approved by voice vote; the transcript records 11 "Aye" responses.
S3 described plan features staff could use to reduce out-of-pocket costs, including HSA and HRA options, and said the district would have an exit point after three years if the carrier substantially misforecasted costs: "if they lied to us and completely misforecasted it, then we'll get out of it 3 years and go find our different insurance again." The board did not specify a date for final implementation in the record.
What happens next: the board approved the agreement and staff will proceed with implementation steps consistent with the adopted program. Details on effective dates, premium schedules for individual employees, and final plan documents were not specified in the discussion on the record.
