The Ossipee Selectboard on Tuesday reviewed detailed health insurance quotes that showed significantly higher premiums and discussed options to reduce costs to the town and employees.

Mary, a town staff member who presented the figures, told the board she had annualized quotes from HealthTrust showing a single plan total cost of $16,004.64 and an 80 percent town share of $13,001.71. A two‑person plan was listed at $32,009.28 and a family plan at $44,004.60, with the town’s 80 percent share of the family plan shown as $35,005.68. Mary said new hires will be required to pay 20 percent of premium costs; legacy employees still on older contracts pay lower percentages.

The numbers matter because the town currently pays the large share of premiums and rising healthcare costs are a material line in next year’s budget. "Starting Jan. 1, we're going to offer lower plans in hopes that people will find it beneficial to save their household money," Mary said. She said the town will continue to offer the high‑cost “Cadillac” plan while adding cheaper options.

Board members asked for additional detail on plan design. Mary described deductibles and out‑of‑pocket maximums she had seen: the lowest‑cost plan had an individual deductible of about $3,000 and a family deductible of about $9,000, with maximum out‑of‑pocket figures cited around $5,000 individual and $10,000 family. She recommended promoting Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as a way for employee households to reduce risk from the higher deductibles.

Selectboard members discussed possible incentives to encourage employees to select lower‑cost plans, including partial HSA funding or opt‑out payments for employees who decline town insurance. They did not adopt a policy at the meeting; Mary said the town would make the additional plan options available January 1 and that further consideration of incentives could follow.

The board also confirmed that new‑hire premium contributions are set at 20 percent for employees hired going forward; the town will continue to track legacy contribution levels as older employees retire.

The Selectboard did not take formal action at the meeting but directed staff to finalize enrollment materials and bring any proposed incentive language back for future discussion.