Has the district worked cooperatively with other districts and government bodies to control health care costs?
The district primarily offers health care through the NYSHIP Empire Plan. This is a statewide plan offered through NY Civil Service and is managed by the State. Because of its size the plan has remained competitive in the industry while also maintaining quality of benefits. The district has been successful in negotiating with our bargaining units to increase the contributions our employees offer to offset the costs of premiums billed to the district. Our teachers, for example, contribute 16% plus 25% of all future premium increases since the 2008 rate, and administrators contribute 20% of the cost of medical and dental insurance. What kinds of health care provisions are there for retired staff? What percentage of total health care costs is made up of those for retirees? The districts contribution for retirees health insurance premiums depends upon the contract that was in force when the employee retired. The district pays 100 percent of individual coverage for employees who retire betw
