ISAS Group Benefits Trust

The Independent Schools Association of the Southwest Group Benefits Trust (the “ISAS Trust”) was established in 1989 by three member schools with the goal of providing a self-insured medical and dental plan for ISAS member school employees and their dependents. The ISAS Trust has since expanded to offer long-term disability and life insurance plans and vision insurance.

The ISAS Trust is a multiple-employer welfare association (MEWA). As a MEWA, the ISAS Trust is regulated by the states of Texas and Oklahoma and by ERISA law. The ISAS Trust is audited annually by an independent accounting firm.

The John Cooper School

The ISAS Trust has 22 members as of August 1, 2007, and covers more than 2,500 employees and 4,000 total individuals. Each member school is represented by a Trustee, and the Board of Trustees governs the activities of the ISAS Trust. A third-party administrator (TPA) provides claims administration and assistance with enrollment and billing. Excess reinsurance (stop-loss coverage) provides protection to the ISAS Trust if claims of any individual exceed a specified limit. For the medical and dental plan, the ISAS Trust requires that member schools make a minimum three-year commitment and meet specific minimum participation requirements.

The plans are currently open to any school accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest located in Texas and Oklahoma. A school can purchase either Medical/Dental, Life, or Disability coverage offered by the Trust together OR individually. Underwriting may or may not be necessary, depending on the size of school and program growth.

Contact the Trust for an analysis of how your current benefit offerings and costs compare to what the Trust can provide. Many member schools have been able to enhance their benefit offerings while reducing costs.

The ISAS Group Benefits Trust provides an outstanding health care plan for our school's employees. They appreciate the high level of service and quick response they receive through our provider. As a business officer, I particularly value the opportunity to participate as a Trustee in important decisions regarding the operations and future directions of the Trust to assure that we continue to offer the best health insurance possible to the ISAS schools and their employees."

— Chris Burrow
Chief Financial Officer, The Episcopal School of Dallas