The Houston County School District contributes $1,760 per month ($21,120 annually) for all certified staff and $1,580 per month ($18,960 annually) for all classified staff. 

The Anthem plans include Gold, Silver, and Bronze HRA plan options, and an HMO plan option.  On the HRA plan options, most services are subject to a deductible and there are no copays.  After you meet your in-network deductible, you pay coinsurance up to the out-of-pocket maximum.  For prescription drugs, you pay a percentage of the retail cost.  The HRA plans include a plan-funded Health Reimbursement Account to reduce / offset your deductible and pharmacy expenses (unused balances carry forward into new plan years).  Preventive care is always covered at 100% before the deductible. 

The HMO plan option has the lowest deductible out of all plans, but provides in-network coverage only.  Some services (office visits, ER visits, and prescription drugs) are covered at 100% after a copay.  For most other services, you are responsible for a deductible and coinsurance until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum.  Please be aware that copays do not count towards your deductible.  Preventive care is always covered at 100% before the deductible. 

The UnitedHealthcare plans include an HMO option, and a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) plan option.  This HMO plan has the same benefits as the Anthem HMO, but utilizes the UHC network. 

The HDHP plan has the lowest premiums, highest deductible, and highest maximum out-of-pocket costs.  All services, including pharmacy, are subject to the deductible and coinsurance, and there are no copays with this plan.  Once you meet your deductible, you pay coinsurance until you satisfy the out-of-pocket maximum.  As with the other State Health plan options, wellness incentive credits can be earned by High Deductible Health Plan members. You are eligible to open an HSA if you enroll in the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and do not have other coverage through 1) your spouse’s employer’s plan, 2) Medicare, or 3) Medicaid. The HSA is not set up through the district and must be established separately.

Transfers from Other Georgia Systems

• If you are transferring from another Georgia system, you must keep your current medical coverage for the remainder of the plan year.
• No changes are allowed to your SHBP coverage until the next Open Enrollment period, unless you have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

Medicare

For active employees with spouses that are enrolled in Medicare and not disabled, SHBP is primary.  The spouse is not required to elect Part B (medically necessary services such as outpatient care and preventive care) until the active employee retires.  However, the spouse will automatically receive Part A (hospital insurance). 

Premium Information

Important Documents