The Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs JPA was formed in 1982 to self-insure our area schools for medical, dental, and vision services.

The Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs (BSSP) are governed by a Board of Directors which meets quarterly to approve the budget, expenditures, rates, review and approve financial statement and oversee the general operations of the BSSP. The board members have "weighted votes" according to the number of program members each represents, with every board member having at least one vote.

Additionally, there is a seven member Executive Committee. The Executive Committee is a working committee that makes recommendations to the Board regarding the operations of the BSSP. The Committee consists of the officers of the Board plus one member from a district under 1,000 ADA, one member from a district between 1,000-4,000 ADA, and one member from a district above 4,000 ADA.

The BSSP has an Executive Director who is responsible for the day to day administration, management and operation of the BSSP's programs. The Executive Director is a liaison between the BSSP board and the school districts, school boards, employees and consultants.

The BSSP has coordinated a series of fitness programs to coincide with the different times our employees can fit an exercise program into their day. Discounted rates have been established in Chico at Fit One and North Valley Athletic Club; Fit One in Paradise, and Lifetime Fitness Center and Oroville Sport Club in Oroville.

In the spirit of helping each other, a Butte Schools Self-Funded Programs blood bank account has been established at the North Valley Blood Bank Center for the benefit of our members and their dependents.

The Board of Directors has a strong commitment to wellness and preventative programs. The JPA sponsors health screenings performed by local hospitals that include a comprehensive blood chemistry panel, height/weight/pulse, blood pressure, percentage of body fat, computerized exercise/nutrition assessment, colon cancer test and hemogram. There are ten different screening locations throughout Butte County. The results are confidential and are explained at an interpretive session. And the best part - the JPA pays the entire fee for both members and dependents. Additionally, mammogram and prostate screenings are offered. Once a year flu shot clinics are held at district locations.

Christy Patterson, Executive Director, edits periodic health newsletter, Healthy Habits. This newsletter addresses risk reduction information such as nutrition, fitness, and stress reduction as well as providing information on how to maximize your insurance benefits for cost savings to members and the JPA.

A joint powers authority (JPA) is a "special district" under the California Government Code. It allows public entities to join together to "pool" resources - in this case, health benefits and property/ liability coverage. Having a "larger pool" keeps rates and administrative costs down (JPA administrative costs are less than one percent).

We currently have approximately 4,400 members in the program plus their dependents. Fourteen school districts, the Butte County Office of Education and Butte Glenn Community College make up the 16 entities involved in the JPA.

Health claims are administered by Anthem Blue Cross, Medco, Delta Dental, and the Vision Service Plan.

Additionally, the BSSP contracts with Alliant, to provide advise and assistance to the Executive Director and Board of Directors as needed.

In 1996, BSSP added property and liability coverage for member districts. Nearly 19,000 ADA and 326 million total insured value at school districts are covered.

For more information

Contact:
Christy Patterson, Executive Director
Phone: (530) 532-5837
Email: cpatters@bcoe.org

Cathy Ramirez, Administrative Clerk
Phone: (530) 532-5838
Email: cramirez@bcoe.org

Fax: (530) 532-5836