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Alton to move employee health coverage to Anthem after local trust dissolves; board authorizes administrator to sign
Summary
After the New Hampshire Interlocal Trust entered receivership, the Alton selectmen approved moving town employee health insurance to Anthem (broker: Melcher & Prescott) with Ryan Heath authorized to sign; staff warned of potential assessment by the trust’s receiver and are seeking legal review.
The Alton Board of Selectmen voted May 13 to move the town’s employee health insurance to an Anthem fully insured plan brokered by Melcher & Prescott and authorized Town Administrator Ryan Heath to sign the contracts and related documents.
Human-resources staff told the board that New Hampshire Interlocal Trust — the municipal risk pool used by many communities — was dissolved by order and placed under a receiver from the Bureau of Securities Regulation. The receiver’s action means a potential assessment could be sought from member towns if the trust lacks funds to cover outstanding claims. Staff said they have submitted the trust agreement to the town’s legal counsel and will report back on whether an assessment is legally actionable.
Staff presented quotes they had obtained. Harvard Pilgrim, the town’s current carrier, quoted an approximate 19.6% increase for six months followed by an additional increase in January. A broker (Bill Wald of Melcher & Prescott, per staff) negotiated an 18-month lock with Anthem Direct that holds rates flat for six months and limits the following 12 months to an estimated 3% increase while keeping benefits essentially the same. HR staff said employee deductibles already paid will be credited so employees are not disadvantaged by the carrier change.
Selectmen approved the move on a voice vote and directed staff to proceed with enrollment and ancillary-benefit coordination (dental, life) for implementation in the new coverage period. Staff also said they will continue to monitor the Interlocal Trust receivership situation and coordinate with other affected municipalities if an assessment is pursued.
