So far this year, six towns have joined the MIIA Trust, which is the insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). They are: Ashby, Hopedale, Norfolk, Palmer, Warren, and West Brookfield.

"For some nine years, Norfolk provided its retirees with health insurance coverage through Harvard Pilgrim," reports Town Finance Director Susan Gagner. "Last year, we decided to take a long hard look at our options, including MIIA."

After comparing Harvard Pilgrim and MIIA, the town's choice became clear. Beginning this past January, Norfolk's retirees would experience significant savings under MIIA over Harvard Pilgrim, while being offered what officials consider to be a quality product.

"We have also found it extremely helpful to have the MIIA staff serving as a liaison with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, allowing us to focus on other work," comments Gagner. Currently, Norfolk retirees can select HMO Blue, Medex, Managed Blue for Seniors and Blue Care 65.

Participating towns and units, like Norfolk, can choose specific plans, to be offered to their retirees, from a menu of Blue Cross/Blue Shield insurance plans. Express Scripts is the pharmacy benefits manager for the program.

Under the program, MIIA assesses insurance premiums separately for each town and unit. The percentage rate, at which a retiree contributes to the premium, is still determined by his town or unit.