By Christopher Marcisz, Berkshire Eagle Staff
Friday, September 23
ADAMS — The Selectmen voted Wednesday to delay a decision on whether to continue offering an expensive health insurance plan to town employees and retirees until more information about the sole person still on the plan can be obtained.
The measure came from a proposal by
Town Administrator William Ketcham to discontinue offering the Master Health Plus health insurance plan. The town offers five different plans through the Berkshire Health Group.
In a letter to the town's two unions last month, he notified them of his plan to eliminate the options because it is considerably more expensive than the next highest plan.
"It is my understanding that enrollment in Master Health Plus has continually declined due to its expense and the availability of equal coverage at less cost," Ketcham wrote.
On Wednesday, Ketcham told the board that no town employees are enrolled. However, one retiree is still on the plan.
Selectman Edward J. Driscoll raised the concern that there may be some reason why that individual needs the plan. "I'd hate to leave someone out in the cold," he said.
Selectman Edward MacDonald asked if there was a way to simply not allow anyone else into the plan, but Ketcham said the town's attorney said that would not be legal.
Any changes in the health care offerings would not take effect until the next open enrollment period, which is in May. The board agreed to table a final decision until more information was available.
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