The MMA is conducting a survey designed to assess municipal health care costs from fiscal 2001 through fiscal 2005.

Local leaders know that the cost of providing health insurance to municipal employees is one of the greatest challenges facing cities and towns today, yet there is very little aggregate data available.

The MMA is working with the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation to collect this data, which will be included in a first-ever special MTF report on health care costs.

Senate President Robert Travaglini has filed a bill that would allow local legislative bodies to set health insurance contribution rates and provide a more realistic system for determining local health insurance plan designs. The MMA-MTF survey information will be helpful for pursuing changes such as those offered in Travaglini’s legislation.

The MMA has identified a representative sample of 51 communities from throughout the state to participate in the survey. Communities that receive a survey, are asked to provide their assistance in this important effort. This information is vital to the development of meaningful solutions and reform.

The health care cost survey was mailed on May 13. Walpole was the first community to return the health care survey, which was mailed on May 13. Participating communities are asked to complete the survey and return it to the MMA by Friday, June 3.

For more information, contact Pam Kocher at the MMA.