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Town staff weigh SchoolCare as NHIT winds down; board asked to decide by May 12
Summary
With NHIT closing June 30, staff reported SchoolCare is willing to take NHIT’s book of business and that a decision to move carriers or accept SchoolCare’s plans will be required by the board by May 12; staff noted SchoolCare offers comparable plans and potential cost differences, and retirees may see premium savings.
Town human-resources staff briefed the Board of Selectmen on the status of municipal health-insurance options after the New Hampshire Interlocal Trust (NHIT) announced it will cease operations June 30.
Karen (presenter) said SchoolCare has offered to take NHIT’s book of business and to continue using Harvard Pilgrim for plans in Milford; SchoolCare’s initial proposal showed a roughly 14% increase in premium for the rest of 2025 but also included administrative advantages, COBRA processing and Medicare retiree options that could lower costs for retirees. Karen told the board SchoolCare would honor existing employee deductibles met under Harvard Pilgrim, and that transition logistics and prior authorizations for retirees would require staff support.
Staff stressed the timeline: the board must decide whether to move to SchoolCare or pursue alternative carriers by the May 12 meeting to ensure a smooth July 1 transition. Karen said the secretary of state has appointed a receiver for NHIT’s wind-down and that NHIT has already notified members of the closure. Staff also said they had obtained claims information from HealthTrust and other carriers to allow vendors to price options.
Board members and staff discussed the prospect of accepting a one-year transition plan with SchoolCare versus soliciting competitive bids from direct carriers; staff noted that switching carriers could cause more disruption for employees if it requires new networks and prior-authorizations. Karen and staff agreed to circulate SchoolCare’s formal proposal and claims analysis as soon as the information from carriers is available and to present a recommendation at the May 12 meeting.
