Council considers health insurance decision

MERRILLVILLE | The majority of town councilmen at Wednesday's workshop appear to favor switching to a fully funded health insurance plan for town of Merrillville employees, but they won't make a final decision about the matter until Tuesday's council meeting.

J. Anthony Alberico, Forest Financial Group's vice president of sales and marketing, said employee contributions would remain the same, but Merrillville could save as much as $175,000 by moving to a fully funded plan from insurance provider Aetna.

Forest Financial, an employee benefits consulting group, initially anticipated Merrillville had the potential to save $275,000 by changing its policy, but that plan only included medical benefits. Dental and vision have since been added to the policy, Alberico said.

Merrillville is self-insured, and the town pays the health insurance claims for its employees under the plan. The town would begin paying monthly premiums if the council decides to change to a fully funded policy.

Four of the five councilmen at the meeting said they are willing to pursue the policy, but Councilwoman Chrissy Barron is opposed.

Barron said some medical expenses covered under the existing plan may not be covered by switching policies. It is uncertain which expenses may not be covered because it depends on how they are coded, town leaders said.

Barron said employees haven't had raises, and it wouldn't be fair for them to have to pay more in medical costs.

"Nobody wins here," she said.

Councilmen advocating the fully funded plan said it is a close match to Merrillville's existing policy, and it would help the town deal with its financial difficulties.

"I don't see how this is not a win-win," Council President Shawn Pettit said.