Saugus recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield

SAUGUS – Saugus was recognized by Blue Cross Blue Shield Thursday as the first community statewide to opt out of the state-run health care program while maintaining services and saving the community $1 million.”Keep in mind they were the first to leave,” said Lawrence Croes, Blue Cross’ vice president of sales.More than a dozen town employees, including Fire Chief Don McQuaid, Youth and Recreation Director Greg Nickolas, Recycling Coordinator Lorna Cerbone and Health Agent Frank Giacalone, gathered to watch as Croes presented Town Manager Scott Crabtree with a plaque and a wellness grant for $5,000.The Municipal Blue Innovation Awards highlight, among other things, collaboration.”I want to thank Billy Cross,” Crabtree said. “Without his help and PEC (Public Employee Committee), this would not have happened.”In 2007, the community signed onto the state’s health insurance program, at the state’s urging, after a series of catastrophic health care crises suffered by users sent the town, which was then self-insured, into a financial tailspin. But last October the town opted out.Crabtree said in working in collaboration with the union and BC/BS, they were able to put together a health care plan that was better than what the state offered. According to BC/BS officials, employees will receive its benefits through the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association (MIIA), the nonprofit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA), with no changes to their benefits.Crabtree called the recognition an honor and said the $5,000 would go a long way, though he’s not sure to what.”We’re in the process of putting a wellness committee together. It will look at ways to spend the grant,” he said, adding quickly, “This was certainly not an easy process. There were many meetings and many discussions. This was a lot of work.”