After receiving an email that rumored of a rise in the price of health insurance for teachers, junior English teacher Jessica Shelton could only hope that the rumor was not true.

At the beginning of the school year, teachers received another email delivering the news to the staff.  Over the summer, teachers received a step increase on the salary schedule, but that could diminish quickly.  The new increase will force Mrs. Shelton, along with many other teachers, to consider looking elsewhere for healthcare.

“We finally get more cash flow and now they’re finding a way to take it away,” said Mrs. Shelton.  “I just don’t understand it.”

Beginning January 2014, the price of health insurance for teachers will increase roughly 50 percent, and the price will depend on which insurance plan the teacher chooses.

According to the Arkansas Association of Educational Administration, out of 71,000 eligible employees, “approximately 47,000 actually take the health insurance through their districts.”

Adding together school employees, spouses, and families, about 75,000 persons are under the public school health insurance program.

There are three different health insurance plans that school employees can choose from.  The Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans all differ in price, especially depending on who else is added to their plan.

For Mrs. Shelton, the increase in the price of insurance will make it harder on her husband and children, while AP World History and AP Government/Comparative Politics teacher Wendel Nothdurft will not be affected as heavily, due to the fact that he and his wife have no children.  He believes that a large cause of this new increase is poor membership in the Union, as insurance companies cannot see an effective and clear response to this problem.

Mr. Nothdurft feels that not discussing this increase in price could have long-term effects.

“If it is not addressed, I can see it impacting teacher recruitment for future years,” said Mr. Nothdurft, “As well as a direct impact on local business bottom lines.”

Along with Mr. Nothdurft, AP Psychology teacher William Boyd is disappointed in the news of an increase.  While it will not affect him as much, Mr. Boyd understands the effect it will have on his fellow teachers.  He is unsure of a solution.

“I do not believe teachers can prepare for the increase.  There was not much time to prepare, only respond,” said Mr. Boyd.

As 2014 is approaching, school employees must begin to prepare themselves and make adjustments in order to cover the cost.

Many employees have found different ways to voice an opinion on this issue.

Doug Matayo, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of State Mark Martin, encourages teachers to seek advice and assistance regarding their future health insurance plan.

“I would encourage teachers who are affected to consult with their benefit director at their school district or a licensed insurance agent to help them review their current plan and see if it meets their needs,” said Mr. Matayo. “Or, to express their views, they should contact Governor Beebe and their state legislator.”

As the cost of health insurance in the school districts begins to rise, Mrs. Shelton encourages teachers to stand up and let their voice be heard, in hopes of gaining more support against this new rise in price.

“Don’t give up the fight,” said Mrs. Shelton.  “Cover yourselves, and take care.”

As reported by arkansasnews.com, “A spokesperson for the governor said last week that Beebe is aware of the problem of spiking school employee health premiums and plans to ask the Legislature next year to approve additional funding to help teachers and school employees offset the rising premium costs.”

Governor Beebe is working towards appropriating $43 million to keep teachers’ premiums increase to no more than around 10 percent.  It may only be $36 million and a 16 percent increase on top of the 21 percent rise from last year.