Anthem to Aetna: School Board approves switch

The Warren County School Board during its Wednesday, December 9 special meeting unanimously approved a health insurance provider change from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield to Aetna Inc. for employees of Warren County Public Schools (WCPS), with no premium increases.

“The board will always make the best decision for students and staff,” WCPS Superintendent Chris Ballenger wrote in an email to the Royal Examiner last night. “They are always looking for ways to improve the school division.”

During the School Board meeting, Ballenger said that comparing both plans was like “comparing apples to apples” since they are almost the exact same coverage policies for health, dental and vision, except where financial savings are concerned.

For instance, over the next eight months, WCPS would pay $4,194,296 for Anthem coverage, compared to $3,686,181.68 for Aetna, saving approximately $580,000 with Aetna, Ballenger told School Board members.

WCPS Superintendent Chris Ballenger specifically compared Aetna and Anthem over the next eight months because he said WCPS “needed to outline the additional costs that will be incurred by the division this year and to let employees know that there will not be an increase in premiums. Photos and video by Mark Williams, Royal Examiner.

Over the next few months, WCPS “will be providing information to all WCPS employees and retirees to explain what to expect going forward,” according to Ballenger’s email.

WCPS Finance Director George “Bucky” Smith also “will be working with groups or individuals to ensure that all of their questions are answered,” wrote the superintendent. “As we transition to Aetna, I encourage any employee that has a question concerning his/her health benefits to reach out to Mr. Smith and his team.”

Smith may be reached by email at bsmith@wcps.k12.va.us or by calling 540-635-2171 extension 34239.

“We are happy to make a transition that will help WCPS improve health benefits for employees,” Ballenger said.

The official switch to Aetna becomes effective on Feb. 1, 2021.

All School Board members were present to approve the item Wednesday, including Chairman Arnold Williams Jr.; Vice-Chair Catherine Bower; and members James Wells, Kristen Pence, and Ralph Rinaldi.

Watch the School Board’s special meeting in its entirety on this exclusive Royal Examiner video: