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State Representative Tim Kelly
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8635
For more information contact: Jason Wenisch 651-296-2317
NEWS COLUMN
STATEWIDE TEACHER HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN NEEDS FURTHER SCRUTINY
As we approached a deadline for bills to be heard in committee, the Minnesota House Health and Human Services Policy Committee approved a bill that creates a statewide insurance plan for all teachers, and requires that all school districts join the program.
There are times when bills that are far too vague get squeezed in under deadlines. Details can be sloppy, and the support level hovers around the 50 percent range at each committee stop. By the time it reaches the House floor, there are often more questions than answers. Ultimately, the bill may not provide the best solution.
There’s a possibility that without some changes, the statewide teacher health insurance plan could end up in that category.
This is an idea that’s good in theory and one that would likely benefit most school districts in our area. But it’s flawed in that the legislation assumes that enlarging the coverage pool for teachers may reduce risk and premium cost. It doesn’t take into account the health insurance savings that other districts may have achieved through previous negotiations, as the Department of Commerce estimates that 40 to 60 percent of school districts would pay higher premiums under a mandatory plan.
In addition, 243 school districts participate in co-ops around the state in order to help offset costs. If this bill becomes law, they would no longer be operational.
In short, there will be winners and losers with this bill. It’s my hope that as the statewide teachers health insurance moves forward in the committee process, lawmakers will offer changes that will make the plan more beneficial to more teachers, school districts, and the state taxpayers.
This is not an issue the Legislature should take a haphazard approach to solving. If lawmakers are going to force school districts into a health insurance pool, we need to ensure that most participants will benefit.
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