As president, Barack Obama prepared to take the airwaves to defend his health care reform in the Hernando school officials last week had a collision insurance on their own little sticker.

District’s insurance company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, is seeking a 21 to increase by 5 percent.

“We expect to increase in health insurance, but you do not really expect 21 percent increases,” said Heather Martin, the group executive director of business services. “It is very disappointing, in these economic times.”

The actual increase is probably at least a few percentage points ahead, “said Martin. Last year, for example, Blue Cross began with an increase of 18 percent. Optimization plans and raising deductibles and co-payments, brought the two parties that up to 12 percent.

Martin said they hope to increase this year is closer to 15 percent and the district insurance committee – composed of employees and members of two unions – had made progress toward that figure in the talks with the Cross Blue, on Wednesday.

Blue Cross declined beyond a written statement issued by spokesman Mark Wright comment. “The details of our negotiations with customers are confidential. But I can say that groups like these, claims, planned for the upcoming planning exercise is the determining factor in calculating premium rates.”

In other words, the district body of the story and claims estimates of what will be asked next year to justify the increase.

The neighborhood is not only the story well, recognized Martin.

Claims have been “relatively high” in recent years, “she said. Last year, Blue Cross has paid more than $ 14 million to complete.

“We’re not a very healthy cycle,” said Martin. “We have not improved.” Martin notes, however, that the district “punished” for lack of emergency care facilities in the county . This forces people to emergency rooms of hospitals, an expensive way to do it is urgent to get to the training shells district, “she said.

The school board agreed in recent years, the neighborhood or take over the entire insurance premium has increased and should try to do the same this year, “said Sandra Nicholson, a council member.

“If there is no chance that we eat in a position to meet, I think we are likely, said Nicholson.

This could be a tall order, given the budget this year, offered only $ 1,000,000 in reserves, which are not set aside for any purpose.

But it would be employees, out-pocket costs have been increased aid, “said Colin Davies, the president of United Workers Hernando school.

Davies said that some employees have decided to go without insurance because they can no longer afford, and he predicted that number could increase.

“You can choose to eat or insurance,” said Davies.

The unions accept lower pay in the past year, in exchange for riding, plus the cost of insurance premiums. to dominate the negotiations insurance this year, said Joe Vitalo, president of the Association Hernando teachers.

Vitalo expressed the same feeling of many Americans and said that Obama said he is motivated to get health care done as soon as possible.

“It is likely in the form of legalized extortion as is,” said Vitalo.