Home / Business and Economy / Kaiser Out After 5 Decades: DPS Cuts Health Care Tie
Kaiser Out After 5 Decades: DPS Cuts Health Care Tie
7 Jan
Summary
- Denver Public Schools is ending a 50-year health care partnership with Kaiser Permanente.
- Kaiser claims DPS rejected a cost-saving proposal, while DPS says Kaiser would triple costs.
- Over 5,000 teachers and staff must find new doctors before July.
Denver Public Schools has decided to end its healthcare partnership with Kaiser Permanente after more than five decades of service. The district stated that Kaiser Permanente was not selected during the recent request for proposal process for the upcoming fiscal year's medical benefits. This decision will impact over 5,000 teachers and staff members, requiring them to find new healthcare providers.
Kaiser Permanente has contested the district's reasoning, claiming their competitive renewal proposal would have saved DPS millions while maintaining quality care. Conversely, DPS asserts that Kaiser finished last in evaluations and choosing them would triple employee healthcare expenses. Union representatives have voiced concerns about the lack of transparency regarding DPS's cost data and its potential impact on employees, some of whom have long-standing relationships with their doctors.
Union leaders are pushing for full access to the proposal documents and cost breakdowns before the February deadline. A DPS benefits board meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12. Meanwhile, other districts have also changed providers, with Cherry Creek Schools leaving Kaiser due to higher costs two years ago, while Jeffco Public Schools remains with the provider.
