For Immediate Release: December 19, 2011

Brevard Public Schools Announces
Preferred Health Centers Partnership

VIERA, FLORIDA — Brevard Public Schools has announced its own network of Preferred Health Centers (PHC) for employees, retirees, and their covered dependents effective January 1, 2012. This partnership allows members who participate in the BPS Health Plan, administered by Cigna, to access high-quality, affordable medical care for illnesses, injuries, or accidents that are not life threatening but require prompt medical attention. This network of PHCs saves participating members time and money while keeping emergency rooms free to handle more serious situations. 

Susan Standley, Director of Compensation and Benefits at Brevard Public Schools, was instrumental in establishing the partnerships. “As an employer, Brevard Public Schools faces ongoing challenges in providing affordable health care insurance for our plan members, due to escalating medically-related costs,” Ms. Standley said. “Our district insurance committee, superintendent, and School Board whole-heartedly supported this effort, and our office approached urgent care facilities in Brevard County and collaboratively created a network of Preferred Health Center partners. These providers have agreed to work with and provide quality and affordable healthcare services to our covered employees and retirees, and their family members. This shows PHC participating providers’ great strength and commitment in taking care of our community.”  

The PHC ten locations dispersed throughout Brevard County will display signage indicating they are a Preferred Health Center for Brevard Public Schools, where covered members can receive the convenience of extended after-hour and weekend care. The current participating providers include Royal Oaks Medical Centers, Titusville and Port St. John; MedFast Urgent Care Centers, Port St. John, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne, and Palm Bay (opening in January 2012); Sinai Walk-in Clinic, Rockledge; Dairy Road Urgent Care, Melbourne; MIMA Now Acute Care, Melbourne; and 4CARE Walk-In Clinic, Palm Bay.

Brevard Public Schools employs over 9,000 employees and provides health benefits for over 13,000 employees, retirees, and dependents. More information on the Preferred Health Centers may be found at: http://benefits.brevard.k12.fl.us/Benefits.htm