Bill to put teachers on state health insurance clears Senate

Legislation to put Idaho teachers and other educational workers on state health insurance headed to the governor on Thursday.

The Senate voted 32-3 to approve the plan that backers said will allow Idaho K-12 teachers and other school workers to take home more of their paychecks by reducing their costs for premiums and deductibles.

The bill would give school districts an opportunity to leave private health care carriers and join the state’s self-funded health insurance plan

“The motivation for the effort is to make our Idaho schools more competitive in recruiting and retaining teachers and support staff,” said Republican Sen. Jim Woodward, the bill’s sponsor.

Lawmakers said health insurance costs are eating into Idaho teacher paychecks and causing many to consider leaving the profession. Backers also said passing the bill could reduce reliance on school levies some school districts use that can raise property taxes.

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