Keller ISD staff weigh switching health benefits to TRS as Blue Cross renewal nears 35% increase
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Summary
District officials told trustees they have a tentative 35% renewal from Blue Cross Blue Shield and will analyze TRS ActiveCare transitional rates and other options before recommending a change; any move to TRS would require board action and a multi‑month transition.
Keller ISD trustees on Thursday were briefed on sharply higher health‑insurance renewal estimates and a staff plan to analyze the Texas Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) ActiveCare program as a possible alternative.
"We've received our tentative renewal increase from Blue Cross Blue Shield, and it's, approximately 35%," said Johania, a district HR/benefits staff member presenting the topic. Interim Superintendent Dr. Wilson prefaced the discussion by saying, "that doesn't mean we're going to do anything," and described the session as an initial information step.
Administration staff said the district currently contributes $275 per month toward employee health coverage, with the remainder paid by employees. Because Keller ISD's plan year runs January–January and TRS renews September–September, staff said they must provide claims data to TRS by July 5 to obtain a transitional rate that would apply until the district could move onto TRS's renewal cycle. Staff noted that joining TRS would be a multi‑year commitment: "Once we enter TRS, we are locked in for 5 years," the benefits presenter said.
Presenters told trustees they will compare the TRS transitional estimate — which uses district claims data to set an interim rate — to the Blue Cross renewal and other options. The benefits team will consult the district benefits committee and bring a comparison and recommendation back to the board; trustees were told a board decision would be required to change carriers or enrollment to TRS.
No immediate action was taken. Staff said they will continue negotiations with brokers, provide claims data to TRS for analysis by early July if authorized, and return to the board with comparative rates and plan designs.