The possible sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is reverberating among policyholders in the Lawrence school district.
"That will significantly impact our decisions," said Supt. Randy Weseman.
On Friday, Weseman said proposed acquisition of Blue Cross of Kansas by an Indiana-based insurance company was one reason the administration recommended hiring a consultant to assist the district with evaluation of its health, dental and life insurance programs.
The district is "self-insured," but its 1,500 teachers, janitors and other workers contract with Blue Cross of Kansas to administer its insurance programs and protect the district from catastrophic claims.
The Lawrence school board will be asked Monday to consider a $23,000 consulting contract with Haake Companies of Kansas City, Mo.
The firm would help the district put its insurance benefit package out for open bid for the first time in five years.
"You have to have specialists who know how to work through the health insurance packages," Weseman said.
Haake consultants would evaluate the district's current policies, assist in designing new plans, analyze bids from insurance carriers and assist with employee enrollment in plans selected.
Factors leading to a recommendation to hire the consultant:
Proposed acquisition of Blue Cross of Kansas.
Nationwide cost increases in insurance premiums.
Lawrence district budget woes.
Inability of the district's small benefits staff to analyze insurance options.
Seven firms submitted proposals to provide consulting services to the school district.
A fringe benefit committee, composed of district teachers, classified staff and administrators, selected Haake after interviewing representatives of four firms.
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