Insurance pool savings

Ohio public school districts may have a chance to join a statewide health insurance pool that could save millions. That's what taxpayers like to hear. Also, it appears that districts could join a pool without changing the quality of the health care provided for teachers and other workers.

Republican legislators think that pooling the state's resources could drive down the cost of medical care for public school employees, and it's worth further investigation. The idea is for the state to exercise its massive buying power to negotiate lower costs for health care, just as it does for prescription drugs.



A committee appointed by Gov. Bob Taft to study ways to improve school funding recommended the idea. The committee deserves credit for presenting a plan that could direct savings on health care to other school funding needs.



The savings that could be realized in a short time make this a no-brainer. House Speaker Jon Husted (R., Kettering) said that starting in July, the concept could save school districts $180 million over two years, and $656 million over four years. Most districts belong to regional health-care plans, and when districts are not wise consumers, taxpayers pick up the tab.



Indeed, those savings don't look as substantial when spread out among more than 600 Ohio school districts. Yet many cash-strapped districts will be thrilled about saving even a few thousand dollars.



A statewide health-care pool is also an attractive idea because what school districts save will not affect the amount of money they receive from the state. Moreover, as health-care costs rise, it's not likely schools will get more state funding to cover the additional expenses anytime soon.



This plan deserves serious consideration as a way to save money for the state, provide something extra for the schools, and ensure quality medical care for those who work in them.