Town board keeps existing health plan after broker review; staff to gather additional provider data

The board reviewed health-insurance options and voted to continue the town's current MVP silver plan for the coming year while staff obtains additional information about network access and alternative pricing. Members said the existing plan faced a roughly 15.8% premium increase; brokers reported UnitedHealthcare pricing that looked competitive but raised questions about whether local providers (including Albany Med and other regional specialists) accept that coverage.

Board members said they want more detailed, person-by-person checks of provider access and a clearer projection of next-year premiums before making a change. The board noted prior experience with other carriers and the complexity of switching plans mid-year. Staff agreed to provide the union and board with the broker comparisons and to investigate provider access and continuity-of-care questions before any plan change is finalized.