The Pennsylvania legislature estimates the state's 500 schools districts could save a total of $200 million annually if they united in one statewide health insurance program, according to ReadingEagle.com. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee conducted the study.
Here are five observations:
1. Sen. David G. Argall headed the effort for the study, and wants the state to merge the school healthcare plans.
2. Sen. Argall plans to propose legislation that demands school districts purchase a statewide insurance plan.
3. The study suggested Pennsylvania could save money by establishing a statewide prescription drug plan.
4. Those wary of the plan point out the discrepancy in health costs between districts.
5. Pennsylvania tried to implement a statewide health insurance plan for schools in 2007, but the efforts failed. Many didn't want to implement the plan if they didn't know exactly how it would be executed.