A Home for Everyone
An employee benefits pool created exclusively for public entities in Arizona—school districts, cities and towns, fire districts, counties, and more.
WHAT WE STAND FOR
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
When we come together, we all win. It may sound clichéd, but it’s true. Through the power of a large membership with a unified voice, Kairos is a better, more affordable health care option.
A SOLUTION FOR ALL
Kairos works for all Arizona public entities—school districts, cities and towns, fire districts, counties, and more—on their own terms.
TRANSPARENCY AND INTEGRITY
When it comes to cost and pricing, Kairos operates with total transparency. There are no hidden fees or hidden agendas with us.
The result of these three principles is best-in-class coverage, programs, and services; member ownership and governance of the organization; transparent administration; exceptional customer care; flexible membership options; and competitive pricing—in short, a better public entity health care solution.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Kairos board of directors, which has been selected by the membership,
is dedicated to serving members and the lives they represent.
Rudy Rodriquez | Board President
Deputy City Manager, City of Cottonwood
Rudy Rodriquez is the deputy city manager for the City of Cottonwood, Arizona. He received his bachelor of science degree in accounting control systems from the University of North Texas in Denton, Texas. Though he’s lived in both Arizona and Texas, he settled in Arizona permanently in 1999, when he began working for the City of Cottonwood. Rudy previously served as president of the Arizona Public Employers Health Pool.
Dr. Michael L. Wright | Board Vice President
Superintendent, Blue Ridge Unified School District
Michael L. Wright is the superintendent of schools for Blue Ridge Unified School District. He’s been a leader in education, corporate development, and community relations for over 25 years. After graduating from Arizona State University, Mike taught and coached at Gilbert High School in 1990 and Florence High School from 1993 to 1997. From 1997 to 2014, he held various leadership positions at Universal Technical Institute in Scottsdale and York Technical Institute in York, Pennsylvania. He became superintendent of Blue Ridge Unified School District in December 2014.
Lana Berry
Chief Financial Officer, Chandler Unified School District
Lana Berry has served as the chief financial officer at Chandler Unified School District since 2013. She is a graduate of Colorado State University, and a certified public accountant. Lana began working in education in Arizona in 2000, and is an active member of a number of Arizona education organizations, including AASBO, ASA, and ASBA. She also serves as a board member of the Arizona School Risk Retention Trust, Inc.
Chris Knutsen
Superintendent, Florence Unified School District
Chris Knutsen has been an English teacher, coach, and school administrator for 30 years. He became superintendent of Florence Unified School District in April of 2017, having previously served as assistant superintendent from 2013–2017. Chris earned his bachelor’s degree in English from Iowa State University and his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University.
Amber Bordes
Chief Operating Officer, Queen Creek Unified School District
Amber Bordes is the chief operating officer for the Queen Creek Unified School District. She previously served as the district’s chief financial officer. An Arizona native, Amber graduated from Arizona State University and earned her master’s degree in educational leadership at Grand Canyon University. She began her education career as an elementary school teacher and transitioned to district leadership to help support the teaching profession.
Shauna Fisher
Human Resources Director, Arizona Fire & Medical Authority
Shauna Fisher is the human resources director for Arizona Fire & Medical Authority. She received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Northern Arizona University and the Senior Professional in Human Resources certification through the HR Certification Institute. Prior to joining Arizona Fire & Medical Authority, Shauna worked for the City of Flagstaff for ten years.
For board meeting agendas and minutes…
HOW TO JOIN
Kairos was formed under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11.952.01, which creates an exemption from the procurement process. Through this exemption and/or cooperative purchasing arrangements, you may be able join Kairos without going out to bid or issuing an RFP. (However, we encourage you to verify this with your procurement staff.)
Becoming a member is easy. It starts with us giving you a quote. The information we need is detailed below.
CENSUS
Current employee census, in Excel form, of all eligible participants, including date of birth, gender, home ZIP code, plan election, tier selection, and status (active, COBRA, retiree, opt-out/waiving)
HISTORY
For the most recent 24 months, minimum: monthly paid medical and pharmacy claims; enrolled participants; and large claim reports that include total paid claim amounts over $25,000, primary diagnosis, and status (active, terminated, COBRA, retiree)
STOP LOSS
If self-funded, specific and aggregate stop loss levels, terms, and premiums.
PLAN DESIGN
Current medical and pharmacy plan designs (Summary of Benefits and Coverage, or SBC)
Medical carrier rates by tier: prior year, current year, and renewal quote (if available)
If you decide to accept your quote and become a Kairos member, we’ll work with you to ensure a simple, speedy, problem-free transition.
WHAT IS AN INSURANCE POOL?
An insurance pool is a group of entities that join together to insure their own risk, gaining access to better coverage, better rates, and opportunities for innovation and customization. While pool administration is performed by a contracted third party, governance decisions are made by members, for members, ensuring both complete transparency and maximum member benefit. In short, an insurance pool like Kairos is an empowering, long-term solution to benefit program challenges at an extremely attractive price.