The Pasco County School District has saved so much in health care costs since opening four school-based employee health clinics in 2011 that leaders want to expand the program.
According to the Tampa Bay Times, the School Board learned Tuesday that the four clinics - in Land O' Lakes, Dade City, New Port Richey and Hudson - have saved the district $9.2 million over the past three years.
Administrators propose opening a new clinic in Wesley Chapel and expanding the one in Land O' Lakes. According to the Times, they also want to explore a partnership with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office that would allow a split of the cost.
Three years ago, the board approved spending about $1.5 million a year to operate three school-based clinics, offering free appointments and medications, plus preventive wellness programs for employees.
The idea was that the district would save money in the long run by reducing insurance claims and related expenses. In 2012, the district saw its claims drop by more than $2 million.