Summary
Health premiums for the town's plan year drop 2% overall (dental up 1.9%) — a rare bit of good news for the budget after a 12% spike was baked in.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 8
- Last 30 days
- 3
Discussed at 2 meetings in the last 60 days; most recently Oct 15, 2026.
Impact analysis
2% overall premium decrease versus the 12% increase assumed in the budget — about a 14% favorable swing.
Town employees and taxpayers, through lower-than-expected benefit costs.
Taxpayers ultimately absorb the premium increases through the budget.
Mentions & discussions (8)
Budget Committee - Oct 15, 2026
Health premiums are coming down 2% for 2027 instead of the 12% increase budgeted — a 14% swing that should shrink department budgets. Dental is up 1.9%. A HealthTrust presentation is set for the November 4 council meeting.
Town Council (Part 1) - Oct 14, 2026
After years of double-digit hikes, health insurance premiums for town employees are falling 2% next year — a 14% swing from what was budgeted — which could free up budget room. A full presentation comes November 4.
Town Council (Part 2) - Oct 14, 2026
Health premiums for the town's plan year drop 2% overall (dental up 1.9%) — a rare bit of good news for the budget after a 12% spike was baked in.
Town Council Budget Review - Sep 2, 2026
Health premiums are projected to jump 12% — about $703,909 — after years of double-digit increases. Councilors asked what would trigger shopping for a new vendor, but the administrator prefers renegotiating plan designs with the current provider first.
Zoning Board of Adjustment - Sep 1, 2026
Town health insurance premiums are projected to rise 12% — about $704,000 — after years of double-digit increases. The Town Administrator prefers renegotiating plan options with the current vendor over shopping for a new one.
Town Council - Jul 22, 2026
Only one bid came back, so the town stays with Primex for property/liability and workers' comp insurance for FY 2026-27.
Town Council - Jun 10, 2026
The town is switching all full-time employees to The Hartford for life and disability insurance starting July 1 for three years. Councilor Duhaime probed whether dropping long-term disability (~$18,283/yr) could save money, but it's bundled in union contracts.
Town Council - May 13, 2026
Property & liability insurance rises 32% — about $101,000 — and workers' comp up $23,313. No other insurer bid, so the town stays with Primex. Council asked to see three years of loss history to figure out why.
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