Health Benefits
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the health benefits currently provided by contract to active SSA members?

A. The District will contribute towards the cost of health benefits the greater of 100% of the cost of the CALPERS Kaiser health plan or the cost of the CALPERS Northern California Blue Shield HMO health plans together with an allowable increase equal to the actual increase from CALPERS up to a maximum of 10% per year (See contract 5001.01).

Q. What will the monthly cost of health benefits be to the Director for current employees beginning January 1, 2009?

Q. Are the premium rates the same for retirees?

Q. What does "Cash in lieu" of benefits mean?

A. Our contract states (5001.02) that effective 1/1/07 and each year thereafter, the cash in lieu amount is increased to equal $300.00 per month.

Q. Has the District made any proposals to reduce our benefits in any way?

A. There have been no formal proposals made at this time to our unit.

Q. Who is eligible for lifetime retiree health benefits under our current contract?

A. The District shall offer to eligible retiring employees the same health plans as are offered to active employees during the term of the employee's retirement. The employee must retire from WCCUSD directly into PERS or STRS, be eligible for health benefits at the time of retirement and have attained the required years of service to the District (see Contract Section 5007).

Q. Is it true that there are some Districts that do not pay for employee health benefits?

A. Yes, there are many Districts that do not cover any portion of the health plan premium. Over the years, we have been able to maintain our health benefits because we have historically agreed to either lower or no pay increase in order to keep the benefits.