Committee flags city decision to drop weight‑management drug coverage that affects Worcester Public Schools employees

At the finance meeting, several members asked whether the School Committee or district could intervene after the city announced its insurer would no longer cover certain weight‑management and anti‑obesity medications effective July 1.

Member McCullough and others said they had received calls from employees concerned about the pharmacy coverage change. "Do we have any recourse as the school committee or the school district to advocate to the city of Worcester, or are our hands tied based on the City of Worcester requirements?" a member asked.

Mr. Allen, representing administration, answered that the district is bound by the city’s choice: "We're really tied to the city's decision in that regard. The city did meet with the Insurance Advisory Commission, presented the two options, one keeping the plan, and one was without the plan," he said, noting the version that kept the benefit would have increased premiums by about 14% while the chosen option keeps premiums lower. He added that the Insurance Advisory Commission supported the city's decision.

Members also noted a discrepancy between the city's cited 8% premium increase and the district’s budgeted 11% increase; administrators said the delta reflects level funding of federal grants and increased employee enrollment in benefits.

What’s next: Members asked administration to continue monitoring the impact on staff and to raise the issue with city leadership if appropriate. The committee did not take separate formal action on the insurance decision during the open session.