Staff health insurance moved to new state-backed pool

What happened

The district left its health insurer, the Montana Unified School Trust, and joined the new Bridged Health Alliance starting July 1, 2026. The business manager expected premiums about 10% lower than before.

Why it matters to families

Health insurance costs the district about $320,000 a year, so the business manager estimated savings of up to about $64,000 a year compared with an expected rate increase. Staff benefits such as chiropractic coverage may differ under the new plan, and the district can leave the pool later if it is not a good fit.

The evidence

December 9, 2025 recording: insurance is 'about $320,000 a year', the new pool quoted 'about 10% lower cost', a decision was required by December 19, and the district can leave later. June 16, 2026 recording: open enrollment completed with 'our new health company. We'll be switching over on July 1st'. Taken from auto-captions.

The source