NEWFANE — Town workers questioned the Selectboard on Oct. 2 on insurance coverage made available under newly enacted health care reform, and learned that they are free to choose their own carrier and plan.
They'll also keep receiving town funding at a rate they had been receiving before the Affordable Care Act took effect Oct. 1, and will have a town-funded broker to help them make the most of Vermont Health Connect, the state's new health exchange.
These actions bring no additional cost to taxpayers.
Board Chair Jon Mack told town workers that the town pays $1,577.95 toward a family health care plan and $606.90 toward a single health care plan, according to draft meeting minutes.
Guenther Garbe asked whether dental coverage is included through Vermont Health Connect: It is not, Mack said, then added that the town budgets separately for dental.
Board member Gloria Cristelli asked whether the town can offer a Health Reimbursement Account without a health plan. According to James E. Hopkins, a town insurance agent, the answer is no.
A motion was made by Chris Druke to level-fund the current town expense on any insurance plan to be chosen by the employee, without limiting carrier.
The level funding will be across the board to include singles, couples, and families. The motion, seconded by Mike Fitzpatrick, carried with three in favor, and Todd Lawley and Cristelli abstaining.
They only discussed this issue as members of the public and not as board members.
Druke moved as well to ask the board to hire Hopkins as a broker to assist workers in navigating the exchange. This motion, seconded by Mike Fitzpatrick, also carried with three in favor and Lawley and Cristelli abstaining.
Town-sponsored health coverage is available through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, MVP Healthcare, and the open market.
Town employees will be able to choose a plan on Dec. 1, and are advised to file their choice by the 15th to get their insurance card by the start of coverage, Jan. 1, 2014.
The town arranges for 80 percent coverage through MVP Healthcare at a total contribution of $78,000, Mack said at a previous meeting. He added the same amount was budgeted for next year, and that Selectmen would therefore aim to level-fund the town's contribution.
Starting in 2014, many Vermonters will be eligible for tax credits and other forms of financial assistance to help pay for the cost of health care.
Also starting in 2014, small businesses with 50 or fewer employees will be able to use Vermont Health Connect to find coverage for their employees. In 2016, small businesses will include businesses with 100 or fewer employees.
In 2017, the idea is to open coverage to “all groups, all towns, going to single payer,” state officials have said.