How much does it cost for Modesto City Schools' teachers to cover their health insurance? [The Modesto Bee]

Mar. 13—During public comment at the Modesto City Schools board meeting March 4, Modesto High teacher Aimee Shepherd-Matlock and others spoke about how health insurance is a major out-of-pocket expense that should be considered when talking about teacher compensation.

According to the Modesto City Schools' Employee Benefits Guide for certificated staff, she is correct.

Modesto City Schools teachers looking for healthcare coverage for themselves alone can expect to pay as much as $6,476.40 per year or as little as $1,377.84 per year, depending on the plan they select.

For coverage for themselves and their partners or spouses, teachers would have to spend between $12,355.68 and $22,552.80, depending on the plan they select.

And teachers who want to cover themselves and their families, including children, would need to pay between $18,942.36 to $32,198.64 per year, depending on the level of coverage they select.

Those premiums reflect an $800 monthly contribution by the district. In January, the district increased their monthly contribution for employee health insurance to $900 a month.

These amounts are teachers' contributions on a monthly basis. Depending on their experience level and whether they have a postgraduate degree, the health care contributions can be a significant chunk of their annual salary.

According to the certificated salary schedule, an entry-level teacher with little to no experience will make a minimum of $68,150. If that teacher needs family health insurance coverage, the cost could be as much as 47% or as little as 28% of the annual salary, depending on the plan chosen.

In comparison to other districts in similar size, Sacramento City Unified School District pays the entire cost of premiums for individuals and families.

Modesto Teachers Association and Modesto City Schools are currently at an impasse in their negotiations. They have agreed on health insurance, which will increase the district's benefit contribution from $9,600 to $10,800 per year.

Chris Peterson, president of the Modesto Teachers Association union, said the district ranks eighth among Stanislaus County's 24 school districts for health care contributions. He said these rates are very difficult for young families and single parents to absorb.

"Even with the Affordable Care Act and Covered California as options for millions of our citizens, teachers do not qualify to participate in these federal and state programs because their income is 'too high,' for assistance," he said. "The explosion of health care costs places economic pressure on most Americans, including teachers."

The Modesto Bee reached out to Modesto City Schools for comment but did not hear back by deadline.

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