School Board Special Session - July 31, 2026

The School City of East Chicago held a special school board meeting on July 31, 2026, focused primarily on discussing the district's health insurance benefits and exploring a transition back to a self-managed health insurance model. Representatives from Relation Insurance Services presented a detailed proposal highlighting potential cost savings, improved data access, enhanced employee support services, and administrative efficiencies compared to the current multi-district trust arrangement. Key points included guaranteed pharmacy savings of approximately $470,000, a captive insurance model designed to reduce long-term costs, and expanded benefits such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for all employees. The presentation also covered compliance support, claims advocacy, and a new enrollment platform with bilingual services. Board members and audience participants asked questions about coverage specifics, including maternity care and pre-existing conditions, which were confirmed to be covered under the proposed plan. The meeting included discussions on the financial structure of the captive insurance, risk management, and potential distributions back to the district from unused funds. No formal votes or contract awards were recorded in the transcript, but the presentation laid the groundwork for future procurement decisions regarding the district's health insurance services.