Pocatello schools: Health costs will rise 10 percent

Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 will likely have to pay an extra $600,000 for its employees’ health insurance, the district announced Tuesday. That’s an increase of 10 percent.

The district said it learned of the cost increase while meeting with its insurance provider about two weeks ago. They said the increase is due to the costs of specialty drugs.

On March 10, the district will ask voters to approve a $9.25 million supplemental levy to cover its operating expenses. Even if the levy passes, district officials say it won’t entirely cover the new health costs.

Costs will increase beginning in September when the district’s new insurance policy takes effect.