Eligibility

All permanent employees working 20 hours or more are eligible to participate in the Town of Westwood's benefit programs.

All benefit eligible employees have the option of enrolling in a health plan through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC). Individual plans, as well as family plans, are offered to employees. An employee's health insurance contributions are deducted bi-weekly from his/her/their pay on a pre-tax basis, and are paid one month in advance.

Enrollment

New employees may enroll in a health insurance plan through the GIC. The health coverage will begin on the first of the month. If your position starts on the first, it will become effective that day. If you start after the first, it will become effective on the first day of the following month. 

• Employees contribute 32% of the premium; the remaining 68% is paid by the Town of Westwood.
• Employees contribute 50% of the premium for an Indemnity Plan; the remaining 50% is paid by the Town of Westwood.

In addition, an open enrollment period is held annually in the spring to allow employees to enroll in a health insurance plan or change their current plan. All changes made during the open enrollment period become effective on July 1st.

Enrollment in a health plan can also occur under a "Qualifying Event" (QE). A QE occurs when an employee loses health insurance coverage involuntarily through a parent or spouse.

In the event that an employee does not want health insurance coverage, an insurance waiver form must be completed.