A healthier choice for towns
LAST YEAR, Governor Patrick and Beacon Hill leaders had high hopes for a new law designed to nudge cities and towns toward getting health coverage through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC). The results, however, haven't justified that optimism. Only nine towns or school districts joined for 2008, according to the GIC. For 2009, eight communities, two regional school districts, and a charter school signed up.
That's true even though the GIC, which provides and administers health insurance for state employees and retirees, has shown it can offer high-quality plans at better prices.
So why aren't more enrolling? For one thing, the law requires a 70 percent yes vote from a union-and-retiree committee. Practically speaking, that means if either the firefighters or the teachers object, the effort dies. Further, with teachers only returning to work in late summer, there has been little time to satisfy all their concerns by the Oct. 1 deadline for enrolling. (Patrick is asking the Legislature to extend this year's deadline until Dec. 1.) In Swampscott, for example, union opposition has once again prevented GIC enrollment. One result: Deeper budget cuts could mean even more layoffs of teachers and other town employees.
Those localities that have joined have seen impressive results. Saugus saved about $1.9 million in the last fiscal year and projects saving another $700,000 this year. Holbrook anticipates saving about $212,000 this year, $308,000 next year, and $400,000 in fiscal 2011.
With local budgets hurting, the state can no longer afford baby steps. It's time to require that all cities and towns enroll as soon as the GIC can accommodate them. 