As the summer break comes to an end and a new school year approaches, Texas public school teachers are busy preparing for back-to-school. Along with setting up their classrooms and planning their curriculum, one important decision that teachers must make is selecting the right health plan for themselves and their families during the Open Enrollment Period.
Over the years, my wife Tessa, who started her teaching career in 1995, has encountered numerous challenges and victories in the classroom. Like many of you, she understands the joys and struggles of working with students, parents, coworkers, and administrators. And amidst all the demands of teaching, the last thing educators need is to worry about inadequate employee benefits, particularly when it comes to health insurance.
The Problem with Public School Health Insurance
As the annual enrollment period approaches, I often receive calls from Tessa's fellow educators seeking guidance on their health insurance coverage options. More often than not, they find themselves faced with a difficult decision regarding the health insurance program. On one hand, they are offered plans with extensive coverage, low out of pocket costs, and many network providers. But this kind of health coverage comes at a significant cost that eats into their salary, especially for those with dependent children. On the other hand, there's an alternative, more affordable plan, but with limited health coverage that may leave them vulnerable to high out-of-pocket expenses or with limited prescription coverage. It's long been a problem for all school district employees, but it just seems to get worse each year. So what can the great teachers of this state do to improve their current health plan?
What a Great Health Insurance Agent Does
To assist these teachers, I ask them to share their benefit summaries with me so that I can objectively evaluate their coverage options and provide a professional opinion with respect to their plan options as well as what they can out on the open healthcare marketplace. While it saddens me to often have to deliver disappointing news regarding their school options for employee benefits, I am pleased to offer alternative medical plans options that can better meet their needs. These options can provide comprehensive coverage for both the teacher and their family, with lower deductibles, lower out-of-pocket maximums, better copays, and lower premiums.
If their current plan is great for employee-only coverage, I can also show them how coverage for the dependent children can be done in a different way outside of their own plan without loss of coverage. One other alternative that we have available are supplemental benefits that can work to eliminate the deductibles and big out of pocket costs to help you sleep easier at night.
You Have Choices For Health Insurance!
As you gear up for the new school year, I urge you not to let this summer slip away without doing a full review of your health insurance options. Allow me to "audit" your benefits, including dental plans and vision plans, and help you find a plan that keeps your costs low while providing excellent coverage. It's important to remember that you have choices beyond your benefits for employees, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Annual enrollment is an opportunity to take control of your health insurance and ensure that you and your loved ones are protected. Don't hesitate to reach out and explore the alternatives available to you. By making an informed decision about your health insurance, you can focus on what truly matters—nurturing the minds of the next generation of Texans. Together, let's make sure that Texas public school teachers receive the support they deserve. Click the button below to start the conversation about what your options are for Medical Coverage.
