CAPE TEACHERS CHOOSE HEALTH INSURANCE CARRIER

Cape Girardeau School District employees have selected HealthNet Blue health insurance by a 2-to-1 margin.

Two weeks ago employees voted their choice of HealthNet Blue or Humana to provide coverage. Both companies made presentations to staff members prior to voting.

Business manager Steve DelVecchio said the new insurance policy will go into affect Oct. 1.

Between now and October, employees of the district will have a chance to learn more about the managed care product, what it offers and what it costs.

DelVecchio said more detailed information should be available for staff members by the start of school.

HealthNet Blue is offered by a local physician-hospital group and Blue Cross-Blue Shield.

The increasing cost of health insurance was a stumbling block for teacher salary negotiations this spring and summer. A salary increase was approved by teachers earlier this month and is scheduled to be discussed by the Board of Education in August.