Health care deductibles could double, triple after School Board vote

SARASOTA — Two months after the Sarasota County School Board reopened negotiations with a local teachers union over budget concerns, an impact on district employees has been revealed.

At its Tuesday meeting, the School Board will decide on the employee health insurance plan for 2026.

While district costs will be lowered by 8.3% and premiums stay mostly the same if it passes, employees will be expected to may more in deductibles and surcharges.

Families could start paying possibly thousands in extra costs, starting in July.

In recent months, the district has raised concern for its inflated spending on employee health care and has looked at ways to save while still offering insurance to staff.

Back in February, the district reopened negotiations with teacher union Sarasota Classified/Teachers Association over its urgent financial concerns for an "unbalanced budget" and an increase in health insurance costs.

According to Tuesday's proposal, district staff would pay:

$1,500 for individual deductible, three times higher than what they normally pay for an individual deductible.$3,000 for family deductible, two times higher than the present deductible.$5,000 for individual out-of-pocket maximum, an increase.$10,000 out-of-pocket family maximum, an increase.

Low PPO deductibles would also increased between $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the type of plan, meaning families would be faced paying thousands more than usual for a bad medical year.

While specialty medications would be in a new tier of prescription coverage at which employees are expected to take on 30% of the cost, the district is offering a cap of $150.

For example, if an employee is taking a $6,000-a-month oral medication to treat cancer, instead of having to pay the full 30%, $1,800, they would only have to pay $150 a month.

Surcharges were also been added to the district's health care plan proposal, including a $100 monthly tobacco add-on, equating to an extra annual $1,200 for smokers.

A $200 monthly spousal surcharge would also be added for when a spouse has access to other coverage but elects district coverage.

The School Board will vote on the health care rates at its meeting, which starts at 10 a.m. on Tuesday at 1980 Landings Blvd. in Sarasota.