Hampshire board approves employee medical, dental and vision plans amid rising costs

The Village of Hampshire approved medical, dental and vision coverage for employees for fiscal year 26 after staff reviewed plan options and recommended an enrollment platform to simplify benefits administration.

Staff told trustees they plan to add one PPO option to expand employee choice, are evaluating dental and vision vendors, and intend to use a broker platform (described in the presentation) that will provide online enrollment. The staff presentation noted the selected platform would not carry an annual fee from the vendor chosen and that premiums presented by competing brokers were similar.

Staff also warned the board that current market conditions mean higher costs: one staff member said the village faces roughly an $89,000 increase for an eight‑month period and that staff will continue to shop for alternatives before the January 1 renewal. Trustees approved the recommendation by roll call (6–0).

The motion approved the benefit offerings as presented; staff will return with final vendor contracts and any required employee enrollment details.