FL H0453

School districts must procure health, accident, and hospitalization insurance through an interlocal agreement beginning July 1, 2013, unless the school board determines purchasing outside the plan is financially advantageous.

Establishes the School District Insurance Consortium governed by a nine-member board: three school board members, three superintendents, two teachers or support personnel, and one benefits systems expert, each serving 2-year terms.

Consortium must advertise for competitive bids and may award contracts on statewide or regional basis with multiple providers selected; regional groupings must include school districts of varying sizes.

School districts must engage in collective bargaining with certified bargaining agents regarding health insurance coverage, dependent costs, deductibles, and optional coverage as required by state law.

Department of Management Services shall provide technical services to the consortium as requested.