When: Meeting of the Manheim central school board, October 23.
What happened: The board discussed but took no action on a proposal to add Penn Medicine HealthWorks as an optional care provider for employee health insurance.
Why is this important: HealthWorks would not replace current health insurance but would be an additional option for employees enrolled in the health plan.
Background: Bryan Howett, the district’s chief financial officer, said the district currently has a self-funded preferred provider organization health plan that functions like a regular health care plan. There is a network of general practitioners and specialists from which employees can choose. About 360 employees are enrolled in the plan. The district offers family health insurance coverage to eligible employees, and employees contribute to the cost of health insurance.
More news on Manheim Central:
Details: There are four HealthWorks clinics in the Manheim and Lititz area, with a total of eight countywide. Clinics have more than 40 hours per week for on-site services, including doctor visits and an on-site medication dispensary. There are usually same-day or next-day appointments available. Vaccines and testing procedures such as blood tests are available.
Quotable: Joining HealthWorks would contribute to employee well-being while reducing the amount of future claims, which would help contain or reduce the district’s overall health care cost. We see this as a win-win situation. Our employees benefit from both a financial and well-being perspective. This helps the district reduce future health care costs, Howett said.
Response from the board of directors: Several board members had questions about the availability of virtual or telemedicine visits with HealthWorks. Howett and Assistant Superintendent Amy Flannery said they would look into this matter and report back to the board. Howett said there was no need to make a decision that evening since it was the first time the information was presented. If the board decides to offer HealthWorks as an option to staff members, the program could be tailored to meet the needs of districts, he said.
Expenses : The school board approved the purchase of two student transportation vans at a cost of $73,731 each. The district will purchase the 2024 Ford Transit vans from Hondru Ford. The board also approved an agreement with the Manheim Sportsmens Association for use of its facilities for the 2023-2024 high school rifle team season, at a cost of $2,000.
Basketball coach: Zachary Schnitzler has been hired as head junior high basketball coach with a salary of $4,407 effective at the start of the upcoming season.
Next meeting : The next meeting will be November 13 at 7 p.m. at the district office, 281 White Oak Road, Manheim. The meeting will be held in person and via live broadcast.
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