COLLIER COUNTY, Fla. —
Collier County Public Schools employees are facing steep increases in health care costs as the district grapples with a $42 million budget shortfall and declining enrollment.
For years, the district has offered employees a premium insurance plan, covering 100% of premiums, but that is set to change. Currently, employees pay nothing for their health care, with the district covering the $14,000 annual cost per employee. Deductibles on the enhanced pathway plan are expected to rise from $500 to $3,500, and a family plan could increase from $1,000 to $6,000. On the basic pathway plan, the deductibles will be $6,000 for individual and $12,000 for families…