Gasconade County R-2 Board of Education directors on June 28 voted 7-0 to purchase KidGuard Student Insurance for all pupils in the district to replace the obsolete Markel Insurance option.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Garner explained to the board during the May meeting that Markel Student Insurance, offered to student athletes in the district as supplemental insurance in the past, would no longer be offering coverage to students in Missouri. While looking for an alternative, officials found KidGuard Student Insurance which offers a bigger variety of insurance options.
“We talked last month about going with KidGuard,” said Garner, who retired effective July 1. “It was one the district would pay and would provide coverage for — your choice — all students or just students in Missouri State High School Activities Association sanctioned programs. Depending on the coverage, it is either $6 a student or $8 a student for the year.”
Garner said the way the insurance works is if the family does not have insurance, this would provide primary insurance coverage. If they have insurance, it would be a secondary insurance to help with copays and other expenses if they have a claim while they are at school.
“That would account for in class, on buses, or on any school-sponsored trip,” Garner clarified.
Previously, parents of athletes were given the option to purchase the insurance on their own, but under the new program it would have to be district purchased.
Board President Glenn Ely asked fellow members if they would be comfortable paying for student insurance regardless of whether the student was in sports? Board members said they would.
“I think it is excellent that every student should be included,” Director Jean Baker said.
Ely asked for a motion, which Baker made, seconded by Director Jason Crowe. The KidGuard Student Insurance plan passed with a 7-0 vote for all students in the district.