Educators Health Alliance Sets 2024-25 School Year Rates

Karen Kilgarin

Lincoln, NE – Oct. 26, 2023 – There will be an overall increase of 1.99% in premiums next year for the medical and dental insurance plans used by nearly every Nebraska school district, following action by the Educators Health Alliance (EHA), a consortium of three statewide public school groups that manages the plan. All medical insurance rates and dental insurance rates for active employees and retirees will increase by 1.99% from the 2023-24 rate level.

"The uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 impact is diminishing and our claim experience has improved to the point that we are comfortable approving a rate increase below the national average," said Trish Guinan, EHA Board Chair and NSEA Executive Director. "Given the current rate of inflation, we are particularly pleased we've been able to maintain our streak of more than 20 years without a double-digit increase in rates, and to average an increase of 4.45% for the last decade."

Guinan also noted that there will be no benefit changes made in 2024-25.

"We believe it is important, particularly in these stressful times, to minimize the change in benefits to our members. The EHA Board is happy to pass on the news that no benefit changes will be made for the 2024-25 contract year," said Guinan.

The successful rollout of the alternate network product offering to all districts in areas of the state where network competition is possible will be continued in the 2024-25 plan year.

Guinan said the single-digit increase in premium rates is made possible due to several factors, including:

1. The implementation of several new programs to manage pharmacy costs;

2. Programs designed to assist in the management of chronic and emerging diseases; and

3. Holding the line on health and administrative cost increases.

"The EHA Board has taken some strategic actions to manage our claim costs, especially with respect to a new diabetes claim management program," said Beth Kernes Krause, EHA Vice Chair and Auburn Public Schools Board of Education member.

"The EHA Board takes its responsibility for plan oversight very seriously," said Mike Dulaney, executive director of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. "We believe the rate increase decision reached for the 2024-25 plan year will allow the EHA to continue to provide a quality, affordable health insurance plan well into the future."

"The EHA Board understands the financial concerns of our members as well as the fiscal constraints facing school districts," said Colby Coash, associate executive director of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. "With 80,000 members in the plan, EHA has the largest risk pool in the state, which allows more predictability and stability in rates. This benefits both districts and individuals and their families."

The Educators Health Alliance is a non-profit corporation that was created to procure quality, affordable healthcare insurance for Nebraska educational employees. The rates set by the EHA Board are for the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) healthcare plan used by more than 400 public school districts and affiliate groups in the state. The plan is governed by a 12-member board representing the Nebraska Association of School Boards, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the Nebraska State Education Association. More than 80,000 Nebraskans are covered by the plan, making it the largest health plan in the state.

Find more information at https://www.ehaplan.org/