Impending mandates from the Affordable Care Act are likely to contribute to increased health care costs locally.

Officials with Butler Health Plan a countywide health care consortium covering 13 public school districts and 12,000 lives have been outlining the proposed 2014 plan changes to boards of education and school staff.

Stephanie Hearn, executive director, said the board of trustees of BHP is making recommendations for 2014 plan designs based on local trends and the market as a whole, including the increasing costs of specialty medications, high cost claimants and new fees under the Affordable Care Act.

Main recommendations for 2014, contingent on board approval, are to increase co-pays from $25 to $30 for primary care physicians; increase co-pay for specialists from $40 to $50; and increase Preferred Provider Organization deductibles from $500 to $650, with a $150 wellness credit available.

The wellness screenings and preventive measures have positive health and monetary affects for BHP members and overall school districts, including fewer physician visits and claims, and fewer teachers and employees using sick time, said Richard Packert, a BHP trustee and 29-year Middletown teacher.

Overall were trying to provide a quality health plan for a good price, Packert said.

Employees have until Aug. 1 to complete the wellness screening to receive credit in districts including Hamilton, Middletown, Ross and Monroe. The BHP board is also recommending the removal of secondary coverage for prescription drugs and addition of two more dental plans.

Packert said he held an open membership meeting for the Middletown staff before the school year ended to outline plan changes.

Overwhelmingly our members are in support, Packert said. It gives our members a say, it gives our employees a voice.

School districts in Butler County will be asked to endorse the plan design changes this month. Districts including Fairfield and Talawanda endorsed the changes during meetings in May.

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