Wellness Committee Never Lived Up to Expectations
I’ve wanted to weigh in on my personal opinion on the Town’s Wellness Committee/Program for a while now. Since I was recently referred to in the article regarding the disbanding of the committee, now is a good time to do so. (Neighb News 11/26/20.) Selectman Espindola was absolutely correct when he said I pushed for the Employee Assistance Program. Most municipalities and quite a few successful businesses (the ones who truly appreciate their employees) have an EAP for their workers. An EAP is a service that provides help for all kinds of personal issues such as marriage, gambling, drug/alcohol and mental health assistance. Fairhaven did away with theirs years ago to save money. It was recently brought back, which we are thankful for.
I attended one of the initial group meetings at the beginning stages of the Wellness Program. Representatives from BC/BS were in attendance. All we heard about was savings; how the Town could save money. When asked about the benefits to the employees (“What are our savings?”) we heard nothing. Every year, sometimes twice each year, our BC/BS rate goes up. Sometimes it’s through increases by BC/BS, sometimes it’s the Town’s decision. I’m not really sure how the Town “saved” any money through the Wellness Program.
Here’s how this works: If the employees “get healthier”, they need less medical attention. If they do not need to go to the doctor as much, they use less insurance, thus the Town pays out less; however, Blue Cross profits increase because they have to spend less money on medical payments. Yet these profits are not shared with the employees; the employee sees continued increases. At least once or twice each year, we see an increase.
Right now, a family plan for the least expensive BC/BS package is $189.95. Per week. The typical town employee pays $9,877.40 annually for insurance. It does not matter whether it’s just you and your wife or a family of 15. If you ever wonder why employees start their careers in Fairhaven and move elsewhere, this is one of the biggest reasons.
I commend Selectman Espindola for his diligence and effort to offer this to the employees. Bob is truly interested in helping the employees get healthier. But until the employees start seeing MORE from BC/BS and the Town in regards to helping control the insurance increases, maybe the Wellness Committee is right where it needs to be.
Eddie Freitas, Fairhaven
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