FL S0092

School districts must procure health, accident, and hospitalization insurance through an interlocal agreement establishing the School District Insurance Consortium, effective July 1, 2012, or upon expiration of existing contracts, unless a school board determines outside purchase is financially advantageous.

The consortium shall be governed by a nine-member board consisting of three school board members (appointed by Florida School Boards Association), three superintendents (appointed by Florida Association of District School Superintendents), two teachers or support personnel (appointed by Florida Education Association), and one benefits systems expert (appointed by other members), with 2-year terms.

The consortium must advertise for competitive bids for statewide and regional insurance plans, with contracts awarded based on bids; multiple providers may be selected and regions shall group districts of varying sizes geographically to ensure coverage availability.

The Department of Management Services shall provide technical services to the consortium as requested; the board may employ or contract for staffing services.

School districts must engage in collective bargaining with certified bargaining agents regarding coverage offered, dependent coverage costs, deductibles, optional coverage, and other matters subject to collective bargaining under state law.