MABE has developed several programs that assist local school systems in providing beneficial services to their staff and the students they serve. The local schools understand that by working together with MABE and expert service providers, they can efficiently and economically implement these programs and services.
For more information about any of these programs, contact MABE Deputy Executive Director Milton Nagel.
OPEB Pooled Investment Trust
School systems offering employees post-retirement health and welfare benefits now need to account for the cost of those benefits, as required by the Government Accounting Standards Board Statement 45. MABE surveyed school systems and found several interested in meeting this requirement by working together to create a Pooled OPEB Investment Trust. MABE staff, working with Trust Counsel and the prospective members, created the new program in May of 2008.
The member owned Trust provides participating school systems a structure to invest funds while working together reduces investment costs and shares administrative expenses. Each Member is represented on the Board of Trustees.
Flexible Spending Program
Flexible Benefits Administrators provides participating school systems the ability to offer a state of the art flexible spending benefit to their employees. Employees can set aside funds tax free, to pay for uncovered medical and child care expenses. MABE has partnered with FBA to provide the administration services.
Group Term Life
Standard provides group life insurance benefits, including Basic Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment for employees of the participating school systems. The school systems determine the level of benefits offered to their employees in the group purchase program. Standard has dedicated experienced staff that provides the service for the MABE account.
Student Accident Coverage
MABE has partnered with K&K Insurance Group to offer parents of students the ability to purchase student accident insurance. For very reasonable rates, parents have the option of purchasing different levels of coverage for medical expenses should their child be injured in an accident. Participating school districts are also able to secure a variety of other coverages for student activities including Interscholastic Sports, Field Trips, Before and After School Care and Work Based Learning programs. Coverage is underwritten through Nationwide Insurance Company.
Catastrophic Coverage
School Systems can help students cover the cost of catastrophic injuries occurring in interscholastic sports and other activities, if chosen, by purchasing catastrophic coverage. MABE has partnered with McCloskey Insurance to provide the participating school systems with this coverage which provides for the payment of medical and other expenses incurred (above a deductible) from catastrophic paralyzing injuries.
MABE Pharmacy Purchasing Collaborative
The MABE Pharmacy Purchasing Collaborative is a project between MABE and Keenan Pharmacy Services, an expert in pharmacy benefit management. The Collaborative can save counties and school systems in Maryland an impressive 10% to 30% on their prescription drug costs. Geared toward ensuring high-cost medications are dispensed at the lowest net cost possible for counties and school systems throughout Maryland, this unique Collaborative includes full-service pharmacy benefits and consulting; fully disclosed pricing; active physician engagement; and clear communicaton about lower-priced alternatives.