Nearly 65 New Hampshire school districts plan to dig into savings, consider hiring freezes, or return less surplus to taxpayers to cover an unexpected $30 million bill from their health benefits provider. The bills range from $1,000 to $2 million.

SchoolCare, a nonprofit insurer, sent invoices to the school districts and about 25 other public employers or insurers on Wednesday, citing a shortfall due to an unanticipated spike in health care claims and pharmacy costs. The bill is in addition to monthly premiums, which went up this year.

The Claremont School District, which is trying to close a $5 million deficit, owes SchoolCare nearly $870,000. The district did not return a request for comment.

Somersworth School District’s $672,000 invoice follows a 14% increase in premiums this year,

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