Cape School Board OKs increases to insurance plan

To keep the cost of health insurance under control, the Cape Girardeau School Board increased employee contributions to the plan Monday.

The office visit copay increased by $10 to $30. Deductibles and prescription medicine copays also increased.

The cost of health insurance, which is contracted through Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, increased by 8.9 percent for the district, including the changes. Last year the district's core plan increased by 12.63 percent.

Officials took steps to keep costs from increasing more than 10 percent to help cut expenditures as it braces for a tough budget next year.

The cost of the single base plan went up from $468 to $510 per month. The cost of the family base plan increased from $1,357 to $1,478. The benefits, which go into effect in January, will cost $3.8 million for the year, said district financial director Misty Clifton. The district contributes $510 for each employee's plan.

Starting in January, the district started a health savings account option. Forty-four of the district's 635 employees opted for the new plan this year.

Rates for dental insurance provided through Principal Financial Group increased by 3.02 percent. Costs increased from $21.55 to $22.20 per month. It will cost the district $169,164 to provide dental insurance for the year, Clifton said.

Life insurance rates, which are provided through Cigna, remained the same. It will cost the district $23,470 for the year, she said.

In other action, the district approved the calendar for the 2011-2012 school year. School will start Aug. 18 under the new calendar.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

301 N. Clark Ave., Cape Giradeau, MO