The Problem of Health Care

The costs for Fitchburg to pay health insurance for city employees has risen over 60 percent in six years, and of course shows no signs of slowing down.

The city spent $22 million on health care last year, almost a quarter of its budget. For years officials in Fitchburg and every other community in the state has squawked about rising insurance costs, and it's a reminder when it's all laid out in one package.

This shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. It's no secret health care costs are booming. Hell, every year we all get the memo from HR saying our insurance premiums are going up X percent (or XX percent sometimes). It's no different on the municipal level.

The difference, however, is that cities and towns have a potential out. Last year, the state passed a law that would allow municipalities to join the state's insurance plan. With the larger buying power of state government, chances are cities could lower its insurance costs. And it's a good plan, so employees wouldn't receive sub-par care.

Both Fitchburg Mayor Dan Mylott and Leominster Mayor Dean Mazzarella say they'll investigate joining the state plan. It would be assinine not too to at least look at it and figure out if it would be beneficial to the city. Hopefully Mylott is proactive and speedy about it, and can get the city in the best position for the next fiscal year. It's only five months away, but if it's an easy decision, it can be done quickly.