Medica is out and PreferredOne is in as medical insurance provider for plan enrollees in ISD 831. The school board last week voted to accept the request for proposal from PreferredOne. Medica has provided health insurance to district employees at a single cost of $334.77 per month and family cost of $840.07 month in the 2004-2005 school year. Under new RFPs received by the school district this summer, Medica proposed a 24.47 percent increase in premium cost pushing the single monthly rate to $416.70 and the family monthly cost to $1045.67. Based on a review by an employee benefits committee, a recommendation formed to award the contract to PreferredOne. The new monthly single cost is $392.45 while the new family monthly cost is $994.85. The PreferredOne rate is a 17.23 percent increase over the Medica rates for 2004-2005. HealthPartners also bid but proposed a 29.18 percent increase. Blue Cross, Blue Shield did not bid. Larry Martini, director of business affairs, said PreferredOne should have a 98 percent network match.

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Forest Lake Times
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