Manheim Central Introduces Optional Care Provider in Staff Health Plan
TL/DR –
The Manheim Central school board has agreed to add Penn Medicine HealthWorks as an optional care provider for employee health insurance starting in January. The decision, which was approved by an 8-1 vote, will not replace the current health insurance but will be an additional option for employees enrolled in the health plan. The cost to the school district is $70 per person, and the district would only pay for those enrolled in HealthWorks.
Manheim Central School Board’s Decision to Add HealthWorks for Employee Health Insurance
The Manheim Central school board, in an 8-1 vote, approved the inclusion of Penn Medicine HealthWorks as an optional care provider for employee health insurance starting January. Jennifer Walker, the school board member who voted against, expressed doubts about employees’ willingness to switch physicians.
HealthWorks is not intended to replace the existing health insurance, but to provide an additional option for employees enrolled in the health plan. According to Bryan Howett, the district’s chief financial officer, the district operates a self-funded preferred provider organization health plan similar to a typical health care plan. The district provides family health insurance coverage for qualifying employees, who also contribute to the health insurance cost.
Manheim Central school board discusses proposal to add HealthWorks as health insurance option
Keith Fox, LG Health’s Director for Employer Relations and Strategic Growth, described HealthWorks as a membership-based network of primary care providers. Nine HealthWorks clinics are currently operating across the county, including four in the Manheim-Lititz area. Members can visit any HealthWorks facility, which offer more than 40 hours of onsite services weekly, including provider visits, onsite medication dispensary, flu shots, vaccines, and lab procedures like bloodwork. HealthWorks members also benefit from direct phone access to the practice, secure text messaging, and access to LG Health’s health portal.
According to Fox, HealthWorks provides a significant advantage for employees’ healthcare as it eliminates barriers to care. There are no copays for office visits and no health insurance claims since employees are members.
Adding HealthWorks as a healthcare option will cost the school district $70 per person, but only for those enrolled in HealthWorks. Robert Drummond, Executive Director for Corporate Partnerships at LG Health, stated that the membership fee has remained unchanged since HealthWorks was established in 2018.
Other Decisions Made by the Manheim Central School Board
The board also approved the calendar for the 2024-25 school year. The first day of school for students will be August 26, and the tentative last day is June 4. June 5 and 6 have been slated as potential weather makeup days.
The board offered recognition to outgoing school board member Pat McGeehan, who served for 20 years and acted as board treasurer for much of that time. McGeehan stated he had planned a 20-year term limit for himself.
The board’s next meeting, a reorganization meeting, will occur at 6:30 p.m. on December 4 at the district office, 281 White Oak Road, Manheim. The meeting will be available via livestream.
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