Clinton Select Board locks in zero-percent health insurance renewal for FY2027

Select Board · Meeting of February 25, 2026

Clinton Select Board approves a zero-percent health insurance premium increase for FY2027, rejecting GLP-1 weight-loss drug coverage. The board voted 5-0 Wednesday to accept the Blue Cross Blue Shield renewal recommended by the town's Insurance Advisory Committee, a decision Town Administrator Michael McNally said saves an estimated $257,000 compared to the 2.7-percent alternative that would have included the drugs. A voluntary Teledoc counseling program for the roughly 68 employees currently on weight-loss medications was deferred pending firmer cost data.

The board also heard emotional public testimony from Clinton Teachers Association President Brenda Sessa and a retired school employee urging the board to phase retirees from a 60-40 premium split to the same 70-30 split as active employees — a change the advisory committee estimated at $136,000 per year — but took no vote, directing the matter first to the Finance Committee. In other action, the board approved a $30,000 reserve fund transfer to the Fire Department, raised the town mileage rate to the IRS standard of 72.5 cents per mile, and voted 3-2 to install a street light on Spring Street.

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Source: the Select Board meeting of February 25, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.