Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Risk Management topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Norwood mayor and risk manager details experience with HRA-based plans and municipal risk management
Summary
Jim Barca, mayor of Norwood and owner of Barca Insurance Agency, described how municipalities can use alternative funding, high-deductible plans and education to reduce health-plan costs and manage claims exposure; he said his private-practice experience shows employees typically take about one-third of premium savings.
Jim Barca, who identified himself as mayor of Norwood and owner of Barca Insurance Agency, addressed the council on risk-management principles and municipal experience with HRA-style funding mechanisms. He said municipalities that shift to higher-deductible plans and capture savings for employee co-pays can realize substantial premium reductions while preserving provider networks.
"I'm probably gonna start contracting with them," Barca said in reference to a vendor model he described, and he related local experience in neighboring towns where 70% of employees enrolled after education and outreach. Barca emphasized there is always a transition period and offered to help employees navigate claims during implementation. He suggested appointing or working with a risk manager and noted the JIF (joint insurance fund) covers commission costs for risk-manager arrangements, reducing direct borough cost.
