From Chicago Sun Times
WASHINGTON-- Illinois' state health insurance pool should get $5.4 million under a compromise measure Sen. Dick Durbin helped push through after negotiating a more than $1 million increase over what the original bill proposed.
"This is a victory for uninsured Illinoisans who rely on this state-federal program for their health insurance," Durbin, D-Ill., said hours after the Senate late Wednesday approved the legislation by unanimous consent.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., now goes to President Bush for his expected signature.
It previously was approved by the House on unanimous consent.
Last September, Durbin engineered a compromise that offered a better deal for Illinoisans. The move toward a better deal for the state came after Durbin, the Senate's second-highest ranking Democrat, had blocked the original bill for seven months.
"I could not stand idly by when the earlier bill would have resulted in hundreds of Illinoisans losing their health insurance," Durbin said Thursday.
The Council for Affordable Health Insurance Care had questioned Durbin's hard-nosed negotiating tactics in a letter, signed by administrators of 20 state health plans, to Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.
"One senator should not stop needed help to states providing an important health insurance safety net to the sickest Americans," the letter said.
At stake was $300 million-plus in funding nationwide for the approximately 30 high-risk health insurance pools that provide coverage for those with medical conditions that make it impossible to get coverage in the regular market.
Durbin estimated Illinois would have received $3.8 million under the original bill, which would have been a 60 percent cut. South Dakota, a sparsely populated state, would have seen its funding double.
Based on figures released by the Illinois Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan, Illinois would have received $4.4 million a year under the original Senate bill, instead of its previous average of $7.4 million during two previous years, which largely was used to cut premiums for the state's participants.
Illinois has about 17,000 participants in high-risk insurance pools. In 2003, the state had $117 million in uninsured losses, with almost 70 percent of the tab borne by patients. The cost was kept down through subsidies such as assessments on insurance companies, state revenues and federal grants.
Friday, February 3, 2006
How to Get Your Health-Care Coverage
From Business Week
Not getting health insurance through your employer? Here are some tips on alternative methods to help you lower the expense
In his Jan. 31 State of the Union address, one of the items on President Bush's lengthy wish list was improved access to health care for all Americans. But like the other lofty goals set out in the speech, that would be no small trick (see BW Online, 2/1/06, "Bush's Health-Care Scheme Needs a Dr.") The world's largest health-care system is unwieldy, and notoriously slow to incorporate technologies and innovations that could make it better, especially the antiquated back-office practices of many health-care providers that add so much to the cost of care.
And rapidly rising health-care costs present a vexing problem, making it ever more difficult for many Americans to get insurance. According to the Census Bureau, in 2004 45.8 million Americans (15.7% of the population) lacked health insurance.
STAY INSURED. It's not just the less well off. Too many people lack coverage for them to all fall within any one demographic or earnings range. Even affluent Americans can find themselves without a net, perhaps when they leave a large organization to start a new business or seek early retirement before they qualify for Medicare.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) program provides an insurance option for 18 months or more after leaving a job, but premiums can be expensive and stints between jobs with benefits can last longer. Letting insurance expire isn't an attractive option either. Among other problems, it can make subsequent attempts to enroll more difficult. Carolyn McCalahan, a Jacksonville (Fla.)-based doctor and financial adviser, says, "The day people let their insurance lapse is when they break an ankle."
Especially for the young and healthy, the prospect of ducking premiums (perhaps vowing to spend a portion of the savings on healthy living) and going without any sort of coverage might be a tempting option. By all accounts it's not a good idea. So, in the interest of keeping our readers healthy, Five for the Money offers strategies for getting health insurance -- or at least lowering health-care costs -- to those working without a net.
1. Buy insurance through Sam's Club. Wal-Mart Stores (WMT ) has taken heat for not providing enough of its hourly employees with health coverage, but a program offered through its Sam's Club warehouse stores could potentially change how Americans buy insurance. Sam's Club members -- the people who pay to shop at the cavernous discount stores -- can now also buy their health insurance through the retailer.
Offered with Salt Lake City benefit management outfit Extend Benefits Group, the program is designed to allow Sam's Club members to choose between plans based on their family's needs and budget. For example, a 30-year-old man in Los Angeles could choose from more than 40 plans with monthly premiums ranging from $50 to about $400.
Employers can also sign up to get their employees into the program. A Sam's Club spokesman declined to say how many people have signed up for health insurance since the program kicked off in early January, but the store says it has 46 million members.
2. Use a Health Savings Account. For those who can afford it, combining a Health Savings Account (HSA) into medical costs can be an attractive option. Signed into law by President Bush in 2003, the accounts enable people to set aside funds, tax free, to be used for future health care.
The money can also be used to fund retirement. The accounts must be paired with an eligible "high-deductible health plan," according to the Treasury Dept.
Because they are often coupled with relatively inexpensive insurance policies, HSA users can save money, "especially if they're healthy," says financial adviser Donald Whalen of Alpharetta, Ga. The program provides protection from the costs associated with disastrous medical problems, but not, typically, a family's routine medical expenses. "Insurance is supposed to protect you against catastrophes, it's not supposed to subsidize your doctor's visits," Whalen adds.
3. Work part-time. In addition to placing enormous burdens on individuals, the price of health insurance has forced many employers to reel in their offerings. Nonetheless, part-time employees at a few companies qualify for attractive benefits. For example, Starbucks (SBUX ) employees who clock at least 20 hours a week are eligible for health insurance.
Start slinging lattes and you'll also be eligible for a 401(k) and stock options. These days, that looks like a bona fide retirement plan, particularly by the flinty standards of the service sector. For many freelancers, the part-time jobs can also be an attractive option because they often offer a degree of flexibility along with the benefits.
4. Find an independent insurance broker. If you're too busy for a part-time job, there are still other avenues available. Whalen says the uninsured often flock to Web sites such as eHealthInsurance.com and INSweb.com, which allow consumers to compare the offerings of different private health insurers. He says it may be smarter to meet with an independent broker first.
"Being turned down for health insurance is kind of like being declined for credit," Whalen says, in that it can affect how future potential insurers will evaluate you. "It's much better to have someone work with you from the start," to ensure a good fit. He suggests starting the search with the National Association of Health Underwriters, which represents brokers and offers listings on its Web site.
5. Broaden your search. Large employers aren't the only ones offering group plans. A surprising number of professional and independent organizations offer health insurance. In a search for insurance options it's a good idea to check with bar associations, chambers of commerce, and similar groups. A Brooklyn (N.Y.)-based group called Working Today offers a health insurance program to qualifying freelancers.
In addition to these outfits, states offer health insurance of widely divergent price and quality. Financial advisers say that in some cases it's a last resort for those rejected by private insurers, but other states have made an effort to provide more attractive packages. Maine, for example, has instituted Dirigo Health, a program designed to provide coverage to everyone in the state, using mechanisms like subsidized premiums to include those in lower income brackets.
Tom Rogers, a financial adviser based in Portland, Me., says the Dirigo program has been only "partially successful" as it smoothes out growing pains, but has nonetheless provided a model that other states may follow. As the ranks of the uninsured grow, the expansion of public and private plan options may be the best medicine.
Not getting health insurance through your employer? Here are some tips on alternative methods to help you lower the expense
In his Jan. 31 State of the Union address, one of the items on President Bush's lengthy wish list was improved access to health care for all Americans. But like the other lofty goals set out in the speech, that would be no small trick (see BW Online, 2/1/06, "Bush's Health-Care Scheme Needs a Dr.") The world's largest health-care system is unwieldy, and notoriously slow to incorporate technologies and innovations that could make it better, especially the antiquated back-office practices of many health-care providers that add so much to the cost of care.
And rapidly rising health-care costs present a vexing problem, making it ever more difficult for many Americans to get insurance. According to the Census Bureau, in 2004 45.8 million Americans (15.7% of the population) lacked health insurance.
STAY INSURED. It's not just the less well off. Too many people lack coverage for them to all fall within any one demographic or earnings range. Even affluent Americans can find themselves without a net, perhaps when they leave a large organization to start a new business or seek early retirement before they qualify for Medicare.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) program provides an insurance option for 18 months or more after leaving a job, but premiums can be expensive and stints between jobs with benefits can last longer. Letting insurance expire isn't an attractive option either. Among other problems, it can make subsequent attempts to enroll more difficult. Carolyn McCalahan, a Jacksonville (Fla.)-based doctor and financial adviser, says, "The day people let their insurance lapse is when they break an ankle."
Especially for the young and healthy, the prospect of ducking premiums (perhaps vowing to spend a portion of the savings on healthy living) and going without any sort of coverage might be a tempting option. By all accounts it's not a good idea. So, in the interest of keeping our readers healthy, Five for the Money offers strategies for getting health insurance -- or at least lowering health-care costs -- to those working without a net.
1. Buy insurance through Sam's Club. Wal-Mart Stores (WMT ) has taken heat for not providing enough of its hourly employees with health coverage, but a program offered through its Sam's Club warehouse stores could potentially change how Americans buy insurance. Sam's Club members -- the people who pay to shop at the cavernous discount stores -- can now also buy their health insurance through the retailer.
Offered with Salt Lake City benefit management outfit Extend Benefits Group, the program is designed to allow Sam's Club members to choose between plans based on their family's needs and budget. For example, a 30-year-old man in Los Angeles could choose from more than 40 plans with monthly premiums ranging from $50 to about $400.
Employers can also sign up to get their employees into the program. A Sam's Club spokesman declined to say how many people have signed up for health insurance since the program kicked off in early January, but the store says it has 46 million members.
2. Use a Health Savings Account. For those who can afford it, combining a Health Savings Account (HSA) into medical costs can be an attractive option. Signed into law by President Bush in 2003, the accounts enable people to set aside funds, tax free, to be used for future health care.
The money can also be used to fund retirement. The accounts must be paired with an eligible "high-deductible health plan," according to the Treasury Dept.
Because they are often coupled with relatively inexpensive insurance policies, HSA users can save money, "especially if they're healthy," says financial adviser Donald Whalen of Alpharetta, Ga. The program provides protection from the costs associated with disastrous medical problems, but not, typically, a family's routine medical expenses. "Insurance is supposed to protect you against catastrophes, it's not supposed to subsidize your doctor's visits," Whalen adds.
3. Work part-time. In addition to placing enormous burdens on individuals, the price of health insurance has forced many employers to reel in their offerings. Nonetheless, part-time employees at a few companies qualify for attractive benefits. For example, Starbucks (SBUX ) employees who clock at least 20 hours a week are eligible for health insurance.
Start slinging lattes and you'll also be eligible for a 401(k) and stock options. These days, that looks like a bona fide retirement plan, particularly by the flinty standards of the service sector. For many freelancers, the part-time jobs can also be an attractive option because they often offer a degree of flexibility along with the benefits.
4. Find an independent insurance broker. If you're too busy for a part-time job, there are still other avenues available. Whalen says the uninsured often flock to Web sites such as eHealthInsurance.com and INSweb.com, which allow consumers to compare the offerings of different private health insurers. He says it may be smarter to meet with an independent broker first.
"Being turned down for health insurance is kind of like being declined for credit," Whalen says, in that it can affect how future potential insurers will evaluate you. "It's much better to have someone work with you from the start," to ensure a good fit. He suggests starting the search with the National Association of Health Underwriters, which represents brokers and offers listings on its Web site.
5. Broaden your search. Large employers aren't the only ones offering group plans. A surprising number of professional and independent organizations offer health insurance. In a search for insurance options it's a good idea to check with bar associations, chambers of commerce, and similar groups. A Brooklyn (N.Y.)-based group called Working Today offers a health insurance program to qualifying freelancers.
In addition to these outfits, states offer health insurance of widely divergent price and quality. Financial advisers say that in some cases it's a last resort for those rejected by private insurers, but other states have made an effort to provide more attractive packages. Maine, for example, has instituted Dirigo Health, a program designed to provide coverage to everyone in the state, using mechanisms like subsidized premiums to include those in lower income brackets.
Tom Rogers, a financial adviser based in Portland, Me., says the Dirigo program has been only "partially successful" as it smoothes out growing pains, but has nonetheless provided a model that other states may follow. As the ranks of the uninsured grow, the expansion of public and private plan options may be the best medicine.
State Farm cuts auto insurance rates, but not for all users - 02/03/06 - The Detroit News
From The Detroit News
State Farm is lowering overall rates for auto insurance in Michigan, but not all customers will get a break.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest auto insurer in Michigan and the country, will cut overall premiums for full coverage insurance this year by an average 4.1 percent statewide, saving Michigan customers about $45.2 million.
Those who carry only the insurance required by law, however -- typically those who can least afford insurance -- will see rates jump an average 5.7 percent statewide.
"The customers who have the most difficult time affording car insurance are the ones that will end up paying higher premiums," said June Houck, vice president in charge of State Farm's Michigan offices.
"Sometimes these customers have to choose between paying their insurance premium and feeding their family."
The rate changes will take effect with the next policy renewal.
Most Michigan policyholders will see a rate decrease, State Farm said in a statement Thursday.
The overall decrease is the result of fewer claims being filed under nonmandatory collision and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage caused by vehicle crashes and losses such as theft and vandalism, State Farm said.
At the same time, the average claim related to mandatory coverage, which includes personal protection and liability coverage that pays for medical costs and other expenses after an auto accident, jumped 60 percent between 2000 and 2004 and 14 percent in 2005.
Mandatory coverage represents about 40 percent of a customer's premium, State Farm said.
Houck said that Michigan is the only state that requires motorists to have unlimited lifetime medical coverage on their car insurance.
"Customers should have the choice of determining what level of coverage they want to carry," she said. "If we could give customers a choice, they could save up to 20 percent on their policy."
State Farm is lowering overall rates for auto insurance in Michigan, but not all customers will get a break.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., the largest auto insurer in Michigan and the country, will cut overall premiums for full coverage insurance this year by an average 4.1 percent statewide, saving Michigan customers about $45.2 million.
Those who carry only the insurance required by law, however -- typically those who can least afford insurance -- will see rates jump an average 5.7 percent statewide.
"The customers who have the most difficult time affording car insurance are the ones that will end up paying higher premiums," said June Houck, vice president in charge of State Farm's Michigan offices.
"Sometimes these customers have to choose between paying their insurance premium and feeding their family."
The rate changes will take effect with the next policy renewal.
Most Michigan policyholders will see a rate decrease, State Farm said in a statement Thursday.
The overall decrease is the result of fewer claims being filed under nonmandatory collision and comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage caused by vehicle crashes and losses such as theft and vandalism, State Farm said.
At the same time, the average claim related to mandatory coverage, which includes personal protection and liability coverage that pays for medical costs and other expenses after an auto accident, jumped 60 percent between 2000 and 2004 and 14 percent in 2005.
Mandatory coverage represents about 40 percent of a customer's premium, State Farm said.
Houck said that Michigan is the only state that requires motorists to have unlimited lifetime medical coverage on their car insurance.
"Customers should have the choice of determining what level of coverage they want to carry," she said. "If we could give customers a choice, they could save up to 20 percent on their policy."
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Portable insurance, health savings accounts debated
From USA Today
By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY
In President Bush's vision of America's health care future, people would have high-deductible insurance they take with them from job to job and tax-free health savings accounts to help pay for medical care. People would shop for the best quality and price because they would be responsible for a greater share of their medical expenses.
The plan, outlined by the president in his State of the Union speech Tuesday and a white paper released afterward, is aimed at controlling costs and helping more people afford health care.
But it isn't clear how some of the proposals would work. How would health insurance be made portable so it can be taken from job to job? Will health savings accounts make people better consumers of health care?
"We're a solid decade away from being anywhere close to consumers having the price and quality information they need to really shop for health care," says Drew Altman of the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation research group.
Health savings accounts, the cornerstone of the president's proposals, allow people to save money tax-free for medical expenses. A person must also have a high-deductible health insurance policy, one with at least a $1,050 annual deducible for individuals or a $2,100 for families.
Details on the president's health care proposals are expected next week when Bush submits his budget to Congress. But one of his advisers provided some details Wednesday.
National Economic Council director Allan Hubbard said the president in the coming weeks will work with medical providers to encourage them to make information about quality and price available.
"Most people feel their health care is free; we know that, because they never ask about price," Hubbard said.
Another element of Bush's proposal is to make the insurance that comes with health savings accounts portable, so people could change jobs or retire and keep their insurance. No such policies currently exist.
"If the American worker wants a portable (insurance plan) ... the marketplace will eventually offer that," Hubbard said.
Despite the concern about rising costs, many economists, such as Uwe Reinhardt at Princeton, say the president's health savings account proposals won't do much to slow overall growth in spending on health care, which is around $1.9 trillion, or 16% of the gross domestic product.
That's because most policyholders would spend, at most, a few thousand of their own dollars before catastrophic insurance kicked in. Once they reached the policy's annual deductible or cap, there would be little incentive to save.
Hubbard said that once patients begin shopping with their own money, evaluating price and quality, it will translate into greater judiciousness even when they aren't spending their own money.
He also said other elements of the president's proposals, such as changing laws so small businesses could band together to lower costs when buying insurance, will help lower overall health costs.
By Julie Appleby, USA TODAY
In President Bush's vision of America's health care future, people would have high-deductible insurance they take with them from job to job and tax-free health savings accounts to help pay for medical care. People would shop for the best quality and price because they would be responsible for a greater share of their medical expenses.
The plan, outlined by the president in his State of the Union speech Tuesday and a white paper released afterward, is aimed at controlling costs and helping more people afford health care.
But it isn't clear how some of the proposals would work. How would health insurance be made portable so it can be taken from job to job? Will health savings accounts make people better consumers of health care?
"We're a solid decade away from being anywhere close to consumers having the price and quality information they need to really shop for health care," says Drew Altman of the non-profit Kaiser Family Foundation research group.
Health savings accounts, the cornerstone of the president's proposals, allow people to save money tax-free for medical expenses. A person must also have a high-deductible health insurance policy, one with at least a $1,050 annual deducible for individuals or a $2,100 for families.
Details on the president's health care proposals are expected next week when Bush submits his budget to Congress. But one of his advisers provided some details Wednesday.
National Economic Council director Allan Hubbard said the president in the coming weeks will work with medical providers to encourage them to make information about quality and price available.
"Most people feel their health care is free; we know that, because they never ask about price," Hubbard said.
Another element of Bush's proposal is to make the insurance that comes with health savings accounts portable, so people could change jobs or retire and keep their insurance. No such policies currently exist.
"If the American worker wants a portable (insurance plan) ... the marketplace will eventually offer that," Hubbard said.
Despite the concern about rising costs, many economists, such as Uwe Reinhardt at Princeton, say the president's health savings account proposals won't do much to slow overall growth in spending on health care, which is around $1.9 trillion, or 16% of the gross domestic product.
That's because most policyholders would spend, at most, a few thousand of their own dollars before catastrophic insurance kicked in. Once they reached the policy's annual deductible or cap, there would be little incentive to save.
Hubbard said that once patients begin shopping with their own money, evaluating price and quality, it will translate into greater judiciousness even when they aren't spending their own money.
He also said other elements of the president's proposals, such as changing laws so small businesses could band together to lower costs when buying insurance, will help lower overall health costs.
auto Insurance rates to fall for some drivers
From Charlotte Observer
ANDREW SHAIN
Consumer Writer
Top North Carolina auto insurance rates will fall in May by 2.5 percent statewide and 4.5 percent in Charlotte, the state insurance commissioner said Wednesday.
But most drivers won't pay less because insurers will likely keep rates steady for customers with discounts. An estimated 75 percent of the state's 6 million policyholders get discounts for having good driving records and credit histories, and home insurance with the same company.
Most insurers likely will keep auto rates steady for those customers, said Ray Evans, director of the N.C. Rate Bureau, which represents insurers. The average discount is about 15 percent.
On Wednesday, insurers proposed an average 6.7 percent rate increase statewide to start Oct. 1. Insurers are required to propose rate changes by Feb. 1. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long usually reduces insurers' request.
In the May 15 rate change, some cities will see bigger drops than Charlotte: Greensboro (5.7 percent), Asheville (5.1 percent) and Wilmington (5.5 percent), according to state Department of Insurance figures. Raleigh rates will fall 4.3 percent.
The driver of a new Chevrolet Impala in Charlotte will save $50 in annual premiums based on maximum rates, the department said. The same driver would save about $45 in Raleigh and Asheville, and about $60 in Wilmington and Greensboro.
Charlotte has the state's second-highest auto insurance rates because of the amount of miles motorists drive, Long said.
Insurers originally sought an average rate increase of 9.4 percent statewide to pay for rising medical expenses. Long has final say on rates after hearing from the Rate Bureau and insurance department staff. Long ordered a 15 percent decrease in 2003 and no change last year.
Rate changes apply to all 600 car insurers in North Carolina. In South Carolina, insurers seek rate changes individually.
ANDREW SHAIN
Consumer Writer
Top North Carolina auto insurance rates will fall in May by 2.5 percent statewide and 4.5 percent in Charlotte, the state insurance commissioner said Wednesday.
But most drivers won't pay less because insurers will likely keep rates steady for customers with discounts. An estimated 75 percent of the state's 6 million policyholders get discounts for having good driving records and credit histories, and home insurance with the same company.
Most insurers likely will keep auto rates steady for those customers, said Ray Evans, director of the N.C. Rate Bureau, which represents insurers. The average discount is about 15 percent.
On Wednesday, insurers proposed an average 6.7 percent rate increase statewide to start Oct. 1. Insurers are required to propose rate changes by Feb. 1. Insurance Commissioner Jim Long usually reduces insurers' request.
In the May 15 rate change, some cities will see bigger drops than Charlotte: Greensboro (5.7 percent), Asheville (5.1 percent) and Wilmington (5.5 percent), according to state Department of Insurance figures. Raleigh rates will fall 4.3 percent.
The driver of a new Chevrolet Impala in Charlotte will save $50 in annual premiums based on maximum rates, the department said. The same driver would save about $45 in Raleigh and Asheville, and about $60 in Wilmington and Greensboro.
Charlotte has the state's second-highest auto insurance rates because of the amount of miles motorists drive, Long said.
Insurers originally sought an average rate increase of 9.4 percent statewide to pay for rising medical expenses. Long has final say on rates after hearing from the Rate Bureau and insurance department staff. Long ordered a 15 percent decrease in 2003 and no change last year.
Rate changes apply to all 600 car insurers in North Carolina. In South Carolina, insurers seek rate changes individually.
Wednesday, February 1, 2006
TM article calls for no health insurance for elected officials
DEDHAM -- Town Meeting members will debate this spring whether to stop paying for health insurance for elected town officials.
Article 48 of the annual Town Meeting warrant asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the state Legislature to make elected town officials ineligible for paid medical, dental or life insurance plans.
The article is sponsored by the Finance Committee, at the request of member William Podolski.
Podolski this week estimated it costs the town $12,000 to $13,000 annually to insure individual elected officials.
"I just don’t think that the taxpayers should be footing that bill," Podolski said Monday, adding that other towns have taken similar cost-saving measures in recent years.
The article would mean no health insurance for members of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Assessors, and the Board of Health, said Town Administrator William Keegan.
It is unclear how many of these elected officials, who are paid annual stipends, actually avail themselves of the town’s health insurance plans.
The article would not affect the elected town clerk, who would continue to be eligible for the town’s health insurance.
Dedham, like other municipalities across the commonwealth, continues to deal with rising health insurance costs.
The town is anticipating a $500,000 increase in health insurance costs next fiscal year, a 12.5 percent hike that Keegan said is consistent with the nationwide trend.
The town was able to reduce its contribution to health insurance costs during collective bargaining last year with municipal employees. which next fiscal year will save the town $450,000. By the final year of their contracts, town employees will pay 20 percent of health insurance costs, up from 10 percent prior to the agreements.
Town Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, in Dedham High School.
Article 48 of the annual Town Meeting warrant asks the town to authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the state Legislature to make elected town officials ineligible for paid medical, dental or life insurance plans.
The article is sponsored by the Finance Committee, at the request of member William Podolski.
Podolski this week estimated it costs the town $12,000 to $13,000 annually to insure individual elected officials.
"I just don’t think that the taxpayers should be footing that bill," Podolski said Monday, adding that other towns have taken similar cost-saving measures in recent years.
The article would mean no health insurance for members of the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Assessors, and the Board of Health, said Town Administrator William Keegan.
It is unclear how many of these elected officials, who are paid annual stipends, actually avail themselves of the town’s health insurance plans.
The article would not affect the elected town clerk, who would continue to be eligible for the town’s health insurance.
Dedham, like other municipalities across the commonwealth, continues to deal with rising health insurance costs.
The town is anticipating a $500,000 increase in health insurance costs next fiscal year, a 12.5 percent hike that Keegan said is consistent with the nationwide trend.
The town was able to reduce its contribution to health insurance costs during collective bargaining last year with municipal employees. which next fiscal year will save the town $450,000. By the final year of their contracts, town employees will pay 20 percent of health insurance costs, up from 10 percent prior to the agreements.
Town Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10, in Dedham High School.
Alfa Insurance says it will cut auto insurance rates by 2%
From Birmingham Business Journal
Alfa Insurance will lower its overall auto-insurance rates 2 percent effective March 1, the company announced Tuesday. Alfa also announced it will pay a $13 million cash dividend to Alabama automobile insurance policyholders who have had policies in force since June 30, 2003.
The dividend equals about 5 percent of Alfa's annual premium on 650,000 policies.
"Alfa policyholders are among the most loyal in the industry," said the company's CEO, Jerry A. Newby, in a written statement. "This dividend is our way of thanking them for their loyalty."
The policyholder dividend will be paid on policies in force for the three-year period ending June 30. Checks will be mailed in the second half of this year.
Montgomery-based Alfa (NASDAQ: ALFA) also announced it has received state regulatory approval of the 2 percent reduction in auto rates for Alabama policyholders. The actual change for individual policyholders will vary depending on type of coverage, kind of car, drivers, location, the number of driving miles, and other risk characteristics.
"We have worked hard to maintain low rates in an extremely competitive auto insurance market," Newby said. "In fact, once this rate reduction takes effect, Alfa's rates will be 4.4 percent lower than our rates 10 years ago."
Alfa Insurance will lower its overall auto-insurance rates 2 percent effective March 1, the company announced Tuesday. Alfa also announced it will pay a $13 million cash dividend to Alabama automobile insurance policyholders who have had policies in force since June 30, 2003.
The dividend equals about 5 percent of Alfa's annual premium on 650,000 policies.
"Alfa policyholders are among the most loyal in the industry," said the company's CEO, Jerry A. Newby, in a written statement. "This dividend is our way of thanking them for their loyalty."
The policyholder dividend will be paid on policies in force for the three-year period ending June 30. Checks will be mailed in the second half of this year.
Montgomery-based Alfa (NASDAQ: ALFA) also announced it has received state regulatory approval of the 2 percent reduction in auto rates for Alabama policyholders. The actual change for individual policyholders will vary depending on type of coverage, kind of car, drivers, location, the number of driving miles, and other risk characteristics.
"We have worked hard to maintain low rates in an extremely competitive auto insurance market," Newby said. "In fact, once this rate reduction takes effect, Alfa's rates will be 4.4 percent lower than our rates 10 years ago."
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