Hadley Forms Insurance Advisory Committee After 20 Percent Premium Hike

HADLEY -- January 13, 2025, Hadley convenes new Insurance Advisory Committee to review employee health coverage after double-digit premium increases. The committee, meeting fully remote on January 13, elected Hadley Educators Association representative Kenny as chair and DPW representative Ray Russell as vice chair in roll call votes, with Human Resources Director Lauren serving as secretary. The body was formed in response to a 20 percent premium hike from the Hampshire County Group Insurance Trust effective October 1, 2024, with another increase expected July 1, 2025. Three options are under review: remaining with Hampshire County, switching to the state's Group Insurance Commission (GIC), or moving to a Maia-administered Blue Cross Blue Shield plan; a switch to GIC could not take effect before fiscal year 2028 because the December 31 enrollment deadline has passed. Lauren said the trust's drug formulary change eliminating GLP-1 weight-loss coverage is projected to save the trust roughly $600,000 per month. A preliminary rate figure from Hampshire County is expected at a January 21 meeting; the committee's next session is set for February 10.