Idaho School Benefit Trust
The Idaho School Benefit Trust ran out of money in 2026 — leaving nearly 100 districts and charters to confront a health insurance crisis that had been building for years.
The trust’s fund balance fell from $22.5 million in 2021 to $2.1 million in just four years. Manager Debbie Hainke notified members of a shortfall in July but has declined to provide members or EdNews with financial documents.
EdNews has tracked the trust’s unraveling through public records, interviews and reporting. Our continuing coverage will investigate the ultimate cost to teachers and taxpayers.
Frustration and questions mount as schools resolve how to cover benefit trust shortfall
There should have been safeguards to prevent the trust from depleting reserves, one business manager said.
Reporters break down Idaho School Benefit Trust in new ‘EdNews Show’ episode
Kevin Richert and Sean Dolan explain what it means for teachers and how it might impact taxpayers.
Benefit trust tells members they have to cover $13 million shortfall — first payment is due in September
Member school districts and charters can either pay a lump sum or make monthly payments.
Idaho’s top insurance regulator knew school trust was in trouble before it ran out of money
Dean Cameron told the state superintendent that the Idaho School Benefit Trust had been “walking a tight line” for as long as he could remember.
Idaho Department of Insurance could take over depleted school benefit trust
The Idaho School Benefit Trust experienced “catastrophic scales of loss.” Now the state regulatory agency says it is working to protect school district employees.
School health insurance trust that ran out of money weighs options to pay Blue Cross
After exhausting its reserves, the Idaho School Benefit Trust met last week with the health insurance company to discuss ways to pay off a shortfall that’s likely more than $10 million.
Insurance trust has run out of money, and Idaho schools have to pay the debt
School leaders are anxiously awaiting more communication from the Idaho School Benefit Trust.