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Select Board to cover small, temporary increase in retiree Medicare-supplement premiums
Summary
After Blue Cross Blue Shield reported an erroneous renewal that added about $5.54 per subscriber per month, the Select Board voted to have the town temporarily absorb retirees' 25% share (~$1.39/month) for Jan–Mar 2026 (estimated cost ~$2,300) and to restore the 75/25 split April 1.
Human Resources and benefits staff told the Select Board that Blue Cross Blue Shield revised the town’s Medicare-supplement renewal, creating an additional $5.54 monthly premium per retiree subscriber. Because many retirees have premiums deducted directly from retirement checks and require administrative adjustments, the town proposed absorbing the retirees' 25% share of the increase for the first three months of 2026 to avoid immediate disruption.
Kim (HR/Benefits) explained the carrier acknowledged an error and the increase amounts to roughly $5.54 per subscriber; the town's temporary cost for January–March was estimated at about $2,300. The board voted to authorize the town to cover the retirees’ share for Jan. 1–Mar. 31, 2026, with the premium split returning to the standard 75/25 arrangement on April 1. The motion passed 4–0 with one recusal by a member who identified a potential future conflict.
