Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1545867
Into the Weeds: Health Care Improvements Examples of 2026 contract language around health care benefits Twin Rivers United Educators made health care central to their fight — and won big. Some locals, such as West Sacramento Teachers Assn., settled with their districts without having to strike; others such as Natomas Teachers Assn. walked out before reaching agreements that included improved health care coverage. Excerpts from a few locals' new contracts: Twin Rivers United Educators ARTICLE 14 Benefits • For the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 school years the District will pay a contribution based on the cost of the Kaiser HMO plans for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 to cover all tiers (employee only, employee plus one, family) without contribution by employees. • Beginning with the 2027–2028 year and thereafter, if the LCFF net increase in revenue is less than 1.5% from the prior Fiscal Year, then the parties will negotiate the cost share of any health benefits contribution level increase. Natomas Teachers Association: Before the NTA went on strike, some educators had been paying half of their monthly paycheck — $1,800 — for health care for their families. After the strike, NUSD (Natomas Unified School District) agreed to contribute more than 90% to the cost of a Kaiser family plan. *For plan year 2026 (first full month after ratification of this agreement through December 2026) these amounts represent 85% of Kaiser high plan at all levels. For plan year 2027 these amounts represent 90% of the 2026 Kaiser rates, and 2028 represents 100% of the 2026 Kaiser rates. West Sacramento Teachers Association: • Starting January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the District will contribute to the medical insurance premium at the full amount of the Kaiser HMO plans to cover all Kaiser tiers (e.g., employee only, employee plus one, family). This contribution amount for Kaiser medical insurance premiums shall also be applied to other available medical plans. • The District's maximum contribution to the medical insurance premium shall be at the amount paid by the District as of June 30, 2027. Effective July 1, 2027, bargaining unit members shall be responsible for any cost that exceeds the District's maximum contribution, based on the premium of the selected medical plan. 22 cta.org Feature