JULY 2005 - Establish Their Own Program - There's no question that our Association is a strong supporter of health insurance pools for municipalities. "We've always taken the position that towns, particularly the smaller ones, could improve their bargaining position and obtain better premiums and coverages by participating in an insurance pool," comments Insurance Coordinator Cheryl Stillman.

JULY 2005 - Longstanding Association Member Represents Retirees - Tewksbury is the latest community to adopt the coalition bargaining law (Section 19 of Chapter 32B). This follows closely on the heels of the law's acceptance by Melrose and Dracut.

JULY 2005 - With state and local officials becoming increasingly aware of retirees' future healthcare costs, the Public Employees Retirement Administration Commission (PERAC) will be conducting a full-scale forum on this subject at Holy Cross College this June 28.

JULY 2005 - Seeking Federal Refund Monies - While angered members simmer over the loss of the state's Medicare Part B reimbursement, we continue to seek the necessary funds, which would enable the Commonwealth to re-establish the long-standing policy of picking up its share of Part B.

JULY 2005 - Municipal Officials Lobby Changes - Bowing to increased pressure from municipal officials to help control the cost of local health insurance coverage, Governor Mitt Romney is backing a proposal that would repeal certain aspects of Chapter 32B - the state law governing local insurance.

MAY 2005 - Retired teachers of the town of Franklin are in danger of losing their health insurance coverage under the Commonwealth's Retired Municipal Teachers (RMT) plan and instead being forced to join the Town of Franklin plan.

MAY 2005 - Since we first reported on this issue over four years ago, a federal judge has once again ruled that employers cannot discriminate against their retirees when they become eligible for Medicare. Editor's Note: It bears repeating that Mass. law prohibits the state and municipalities from reducing or ending benefits to their Medicare retirees.