What are TSHBP member districts “in” if they don’t opt out? if you’re “in” what are you “in” when the “in” is out?
What is the purpose of a deadline? It forces decisions. Are you in or are you out? The question is, if you’re “in” what are you “in” when the “in” is out?
The TSHBP school health insurance program is in turmoil suffering unexpected losses requiring member districts to fund an extra $1,500 per employee to keep the risk pool solvent. Member districts are not too happy about that and many, if not all, are seeking alternative programs.
TSHBP’s broker is scrambling to save commission dollars even if it means going home with someone else, leaving TSHBP alone at the dance to clean up the after party mess.
In an April 29 memorandum the TSHBP Board of Directors gave notice to member districts they had until June 15 to withdraw from the program:
The TSHBP Board of Trustees passed a resolution on April 24, 2024to amend the time frame within which each member district must provide the appropriate notice of withdrawal from the TSHBP Program from 90 days (June 1st) to 75 days (June 15th). Districts that elect to participate in the options presented by the TSHBP, must notify the Program no later than June 15th of their election. Districts who wish not to participate in any of the options presented by the TSHBP must notify the Program no later than June 15th of their withdrawal.”
The memorandum also stated:
” TSHBP will propose additional plan options for districts to review when they receive their renewal packet.”
What did those options turn out to be? Benefit and rate changes to the TSHBP risk pool or something else? The answer was not long in coming.
In a subsequent notice TSHBP wrote:
Dear TSHBP District,
“Attached to this message is the TSHBP Renewal Packet for your district. New for the 2024-25 Plan Year, the TSHBP Risk Pool is no longer available. “
“Your district’s renewal packet contains three proposals for your consideration. You are encouraged to carefully review each proposal.“
The three proposals were not TSHBP risk pool proposals but rather were open market commercial offers.
What are TSHBP member districts “in” if they don’t opt out? Inquiring minds want to know.
The TSHBP program has been an entertaining comedy of errors earning record high Nielsen Ratings. The sequel promises to be hold-your-breath, edge-of-the-seat fascinating.
