Neenah school board approves insurance changes

Oct. 29--NEENAH -- The school board recently voted to change insurance providers, effective Jan. 1.

The district will move from Network Health to Humana for health insurance, and from Epic to Guardian for disability coverage.

The health insurance change will save the district $157,700 annually in premiums, and provide a 2 percent decrease in premiums for current and retired employees, according to a board memorandum.

In addition, Humana will cap its increase in the second year to 11 percent. The percentage could go down, depending on how many employees take advantage of Humana's free wellness program.

Current and retired district staff members who participate in the wellness program will contribute 12.6 percent toward their premiums. Those who don't will contribute 25.2 percent toward health insurance premiums, according to the memo.

Humana also covers more providers, hospitals and pharmacies than Network Health -- including Aurora Hospitals and Clinics and Women's Care of Wisconsin.

Board member Michelle Swardenski was the only one to vote against the change. While she sees the positives of the proposal -- particularly cost savings to the district and more providers for staff -- she feels uncomfortable that employees are required to report health information to the insurance company to pay a lower premium.

"I'm not saying preventative health care isn't a good thing ... I'm a little disturbed that they can't do it with their own primary care physician, that everything must be open book to the insurance company, and I find that's something I, myself, wouldn't want to do," she said. "I'm very hesitant to ask our people to do something I wouldn't want to do."

District Administrator Mary Pfeiffer said all information is confidential. She added that 60 percent of staff members already participate in the wellness program offered through Network Health, the current provider.

The other incentive to the district is the potential for lower premiums based on participation in the wellness program. The more employees who reach "Silver Status," the greater the savings next year, Pfeiffer said.

"This is the only insurance company where we have a chance to really buy back percentages off of next year's premiums," Pfeiffer said.

The board also approved switching short- and long-term disability insurance providers from Epic to Guardian. The switch to Guardian will save an estimated $28,000, the memo said.

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Jen Zettel: 920-993-1000,

ext. 539, or jzettel

@postcrescent.com;

on Twitter @jenzettel

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