Health Insurance
Info. & FAQs

Frequently asked questions about our health insurance options 

1. Where can one get a list of site of service providers?

This information is available on the Health Trust website.  We will also post a document with a link to that information on the SEA website.

2. How does the district reply to Health Trust that the increases are not acceptable?  Health Trust / insurance is making too much in profits to complain about how my health costs them money!

The increase in health insurance premiums is not limited to education nor is SSD the only district facing similar situations in premium increases.  As part of the negotiations process, the SEA requested the district address this directly with Health Trust.  That continues to be a work in progress.  However, we cannot expect a remedy from that.  While the district works with Health Trust directly, not the SEA, our association’s focus will continue to be on what we can do for ourselves.   To that point, we have committed the district to a significant educational component before the next open enrollment.  This will include a full-district seminar to include the district, representatives from Health Trust, as well as input from our association.  Furthermore, prior to open enrollment, SEA members will have a chance to speak one-on-one with a Health Trust representative to see what is best for the member and his or her family.  Finally, we need to be better consumers.  One of the goals of the education initiative is to help us all be more effective in making wise healthcare decisions.

3. I am on the Site of Service plan now.  Am I correct in thinking there will be a second SOS plan available?

Yes.  Members will have the opportunity to choose between the two site of service plans.  See the rate sheet that was distributed at the meeting and posted on the website.

4. Was there any change to COTA’s in regards to being excluded from needing to attend AI meetings?

No.  This is, however, another example of something that the SEA can address outside of the formal negotiations cycle.  Be assured that we will.

5. What would the increased insurance buyout be?

During the negotiations session, we tried to emphasize the value to both the district and all of the associations of increasing the insurance buyout.  Those efforts will continue because the value of that decision is apparent to the SEA negotiating team.  The amount, however, would have to be negotiated.  The SEA would, of course, advocate for an amount that would represent a genuine incentive for members to consider other providers for their health care.  There is no fixed amount in mind at this point.

6. What is the increase in annual longevity pay bumps for teachers who are off step?

Longevity has not changed.  Refer to the current CBA.

7. Will a full copy of the tentative agreement be available before the voting deadline?

Publishing a full copy of the tentative agreement is not necessary.  All of the tentative changes to the CBA were presented and are available on the information provided and posted on the SEA website.  Not of the rest of the CBA would change.  Members can always review the current CBA for existing language.  

8. If you access care at a non-site of service facility, would you just pay until you hit the deductible or max out of pocket?

Technically yes, but this is part of the new concept of “consumerism” on which we need to be more educated.  Using site of service providers is far more cost effective in the long run for both the individual member and the association as a whole.  In fact, being better consumers is one of the primary drivers by which we can mitigate our healthcare costs.  We all recognize that there are certain circumstances where specialized care is only available outside of network.  But when an in-network option is available there is a significant benefit to both the individual member and the entire association.

9. Where is the current buyout amount for not taking insurance documented?

Article 12L in the CBA.

10. Are Boston/Massachusetts facilities covered under site of service?

This would depend on each specific facility.  Consult Health Trust resources for specific locations.

11. I would like clarification around the approved LETRS program and whether or not it will count towards advancement on the salary schedule. Also if there are other approved programs that are still going to be allowed to proceed on the salary schedule.

Discussion concerning LETRSs and other programs concerning lateral movement on the salary schedule, is not relevant to this tentative agreement. These are individual situations which need to be discussed with the assistant superintendents and superintendent. Please refer to appendix A for further clarity. 

12. Pay for some extracurricular positions will be going up - does this also apply to the POWER clubs that run at Woodbury? The detention duty? The period sub pay? Summer academies? 

Please refer to slide 8 in the presentation, discussing Article 13 and hourly compensation. Hourly compensation would remain at $30 in the first year of the agreement and move to $32.50 in the following two years

13. How does one access "site of service" locations if they are traveling outside of NH or the country?

Health Trust has a process that will be explained at the upcoming meetings concerning site of service access outside of NH and New England

14. Was there any contract language changed in regards to special education teachers?  We know that has been one of the biggest areas of need across all schools yet it seems as though not a single item of concern in that area was addressed other than specialists receiving additional planning time (which was done outside of the contract). Yet case managers are still taking on an entire persons job with no additional compensation or planning. We also still don't have the language to even have a planning period if admin ever wants to take that from us it seems they still can.

Special educators are recognized as teachers not specialists. They are entitled to an equitable planning time as a teacher. In building levels where the day is structured, it could be a designated planning period, at the elementary level, there is more of an independent responsibility for planning. Principals cannot take this away as it was agreed upon by the SEA President and Superintendent prior to negotiations. Specific examples of covering other people’s caseloads needs to be handled on an individual basis

15. Where do we find information on longevity for extracurricular positions? It's not in the 22-25 CBA?

Appendix B longevity is in the current CBA. It is located in Appendix B. Wording states; “Statement of Longevity: A total longevity payment of $200 starting after three years experience with the District in the same (or similar) sport; an additional $150 after six years’ experience; an additional $150 after nine years experience, and an additional $150 after fifteen years of experience. If the position is split between multiple individuals, the longevity for each individual’s years of experience shall be prorated in proportion to that individual’s share of the position.”

16. If next year I would be a step 14, which is my salary? I am a master plus 30. With the change in Steps, would you be the same step next year?  In other words Step 12 would remain Step 12 on the 25-26 chart?

Members who are currently on “step” will stay at that step in 2025/2026 school year. However, all the money moved on the salary schedule a step. For example, if you are on step 12, you stay on step 12 for the 2025-2026 year. The following year you will be on step 13 and the following year of the contract you will be on step 14. Please refer to the graphic on page 12 of the presentation for clarity. 

17. The district is offering a HRA for the 3k deductible plan. Is there also plans to have the district coordinate an HSA for members to use for Deductibles?

HSA’s are already offered but not funded by the district. These will be discussed further at the Health Trust meeting this winter.

18. How is the district cap on insurance calculated and where can we find that information?

That information can be found in Article 12 section A2 of the current CBA.

19.  At the presentation you mentioned that by moving to the deductible plan, the district covers half the deductible. Is this for both the deductible plans offered (ABSOS20/40/1KED and ABSOS25/50/3KED) or just a certain plan?

The district will cover half of the deductible, in the manner outlined on the documentation, for the 3K plan only. 

20.  What happens if the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) does NOT get ratified?

The prospect of not ratifying the agreement would limit the ability of the district and the SEA to re-engage in negotiations because of the statutory timeline for warrant articles and the scheduled town meeting day. 

The SEA could petition the Superior Court to call for a special election, but we have no legal basis. Voting "No" is not a matter that requires a judicial remedy.

Put more succinctly, we would still incur the cost of healthcare, but with no 3rd plan offered and no raises.  That would be devastating for the SEA and its members. 

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