Westford Finance Committee Narrows Health Insurance Review to Two Paths

KINGSTON — May 26, 2026 — Westford Finance Committee narrows health insurance review to two paths as June Select Board deadline looms. The committee held a May 26 information session with Lockton consultant Pat Harrington, who confirmed that adjusting the town's self-insured plan design to GIC benchmark levels alone would not produce guaranteed savings — only shifting out-of-pocket costs to employees — while a full move to the Group Insurance Commission carries a projected total savings of roughly $3.5 million, with the town's share approximately $2.272 million and a first-year statutory mitigation requirement of 25 percent of total savings. Former Town Manager Jody Ross warned in public comment of "great and grave risks" in joining the GIC, citing a reported $300 million commission shortfall and exit costs she said could reach $7 million to $8 million; resident James Cochise countered that the town owes taxpayers a serious look at savings while school classes exceed 25 students. The Insurance Advisory Committee is set to receive the Lockton report on June 3, and the trust currently holds $5.4 million in reserves with claims running $200,000 per month below collected premiums.