For those not familiar with the concept, municipalities and other public entities may join together (in an insurance pool) to strengthen their bargaining position when negotiating and purchasing health insurance for their retirees and employees. There are several such insurance pools throughout the state (see July 1998 Voice), including the MIIA program which is now in its eighth year.

Since we last reported on the MIIA program some 15 months ago, it has remained the leading insurance pool, with over a 20% growth in the number of community members, increasing to 52 towns. In addition, 12 other public entities, including the Hampden County Retirement Board, have joined.

MIIA operates its health insurance program in cooperation with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. "With our health trust, we are able to offer member towns and units a menu of BC/BS products including an indemnity plan (VIP 2000), Blue Choice (PPO), HMO Blue and Medex," says MIIA's Ann Ludlow. "Participating communities can also provide their retirees and employees with (BC/BS) dental insurance."

Under its program, MIIA assesses insurance premiums separately for each municipality or other subdivision. The percentage rate, at which a retiree contributes to the premium, is still determined by his community, and not the MIIA.