Recently, there have been reports by third parties and media outlets claiming that teachers’ health care is at risk. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The Facts About Our Health Insurance

  • We are currently covered by a non-profit insurance trust, the Teachers Health Trust (THT), created by teachers since 1980s.
  • The purpose of this trust is to have affordable quality health care for teachers and their families.  A trust controlled by teachers for teachers— not by a for-profit insurance company whose objective is to make money.
  • THT’s primary source of funds comes from CCSD’s contribution toward the employee’s health insurance premium.
  • There has not been an increase in contribution by CCSD toward health insurance premiums for five (5) years.
  • There has not been an increase in teacher premiums in over ten (10) years.
  • Medical claims have been increasing each year for two reasons: some of us are aging and some of us have growing families.
  • Because THT is non-profit it has been able to manage increased medical claims within the limited funding it has received without seriously eroding benefits.
  • Negotiations with CCSD over the past several contracts have not yielded any increases for salaries or health benefits. In fact, the last two years have gone to arbitration in order for teachers to prevent CCSD’s demands of concessions from going into effect.
  • This is due in large part because the State’s budget has had no additional funds for teachers’ salaries and benefits.
  • In August of 2012 THT had determined it needed a modest premium increase to help offset medical claims.  CCSD objected to the increase and, thus, no increase occurred.
  • As a result THT drew down reserves and was forced to adjust prescription drug benefits to help offset the increased costs of medical claims.

What is being done to protect the integrity of the health insurance services we receive?

There is a limit in just how far THT can draw down reserves to offset these increased costs before they run out. Because this situation cannot continue.

  • We are currently in negotiations with CCSD regarding the health insurance premiums.
  • CCEA’s intent is to find a short-term solution of THT’s financial situation, as well as a long-term solution.
  • CCEA will ensure that all teachers will continue to have affordable, quality, and accessible health care for themselves and their families.
  • To that end, we anticipate we will begin a journey of change.

You can help protect our health insurance. Here is how:

  • We cannot allow third parties (including the media), who have an ulterior agenda in attacking teachers, CCEA, and our health insurance, to distract us.
  • This situation is all the more reason why Clark County teachers need to be involved in the upcoming legislative session. Without additional funding for education and teachers, we will continue to face demands that cut our pay, attack our health benefits, and increase our class sizes.
  • Join your colleagues in fighting for MORE for Public Schools.
  • If you have not already signed up for the Legislative Action Team, contact your Association rep or the CCEA office at 733-3063.
  • Join thousands of teachers on February 25, 2013 Education Awareness Day by wearing a button showing your support for MORE for Public Schools.