Besides a 15% increase in the “life” category, councillors had little to say about the 2009 renewal of the township’s employee benefits program.
“Are we anticipating a lot of deaths this year?” quipped councillor Mike Downey. “Typical insurance company – they just give it to you.”
Councillor Jim Curry agreed the increase seems high.
Overall, there is a 10.9% increase in Mapleton’s costs for the county-wide program provided by Manulife Financial.
“While the 2009 renewal is significant, I would indicate that the five year average increase is 3.7 per cent,” said clerk Patty Sinnamon.
Other large increases in the renewal include 10.2% for dental coverage and 12.8% for extended health care.
Township benefit consultant Mosey and Mosey provided the following justifications for increased costs:
– increased prescription drug costs, combined with increased usage of those drugs;
– an aging workforce;
– the impact of new drugs; and
– increased utilization of dental care.
Council unanimously approved the increased premium for the 2009 renewal.
Councillor Bruce Whale was absent.
