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Norwich trustees select Anthem Lumenos health plan for 2012 to curb premium rise
Summary
Faced with steep premium projections, Norwich trustees selected the Anthem Lumenos HSA plan for 2012 after staff analysis showing nearly $96,000 savings compared with other quotes; trustees also approved limited non-union pay increases and set a planning schedule for benefits.
Township staff presented 2012 health insurance options and recommended Anthem’s Lumenos HSA option to limit the township’s expected health‑insurance cost increase. In a Dec. 6 planning meeting trustees approved the Anthem Lumenos HAS Option E6 RxZ plan for 2012, citing an estimated cost savings of about $96,000 versus other vendor quotes.
Trustees discussed tradeoffs including higher deductibles (noted in plan materials) and increased out‑of‑pocket risk for employees. Administrator Wayne Warner and staff said they would follow up with employee communications and scheduled training on plan mechanics for January 20–22, 2012. Trustees also discussed alternate employee assistance program options and the potential to revisit benefits or contribution levels in future bargaining or budget cycles.
As part of the December planning items, trustees approved a 2.5% pay increase for four cemetery staff, administrative assistant(s), assistant fiscal officer and the fire chief effective Jan. 2, 2012. The board emphasized the need to continue evaluating healthcare cost drivers, including exploring consortium memberships and negotiating with unions to contain future costs.
