As municipalities prepare for collective bargaining negotiations, healthcare benefits continue to play a central role in shaping both financial outcomes and employee satisfaction. The Delaware Valley Health Trust (DVHT) is working closely with its members to help guide these discussions, offering tailored plan design and hands-on support throughout the process.
DVHT’s approach begins with understanding each member’s unique goals. By meeting directly with municipal teams, the Trust gathers insight into priorities and challenges before developing customized benefit plan options. These recommendations can range from minor plan adjustments to full redesigns, depending on each organization’s needs.
Once options are developed, DVHT remains actively involved, helping members evaluate choices, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and move forward with implementation. This collaborative process is designed to ensure that decisions are both informed and aligned with long-term objectives.
During the collective bargaining process, DVHT serves as a resource not only for employers but also as a bridge to support clear understanding among all parties involved. The team works alongside labor attorneys and advisors to provide insight into healthcare cost drivers, emerging trends, and strategic plan considerations. By helping unions better understand these factors, DVHT supports more productive and transparent discussions at the bargaining table.
Flexibility is another key component of DVHT’s offering. Members are not limited to making changes during a traditional renewal cycle. Instead, plan adjustments can be implemented at any point throughout the year, providing greater control and responsiveness as needs evolve. Available plan options include HMO and PPO plans, as well as high-deductible plans paired with health savings or reimbursement arrangements.
Even small plan design changes can have a meaningful impact. Adjustments to copays, deductibles, or prescription coverage often create opportunities for cost savings while maintaining strong benefit offerings for employees.
Once agreements are finalized, DVHT focuses on ensuring a smooth and accurate rollout. Working in coordination with its implementation partners, the Trust supports timely plan setup, with new ID cards typically issued ahead of the effective date and sufficient lead time built into the process to avoid disruptions.
As a not-for-profit, member-owned organization, DVHT’s mission remains centered on helping municipalities manage rising healthcare costs while continuing to deliver high-quality benefits. Through each phase of the collective bargaining process, the Trust provides practical support, clear communication, and dependable expertise.
Members interested in exploring their options or preparing for upcoming negotiations are encouraged to connect with DVHT to learn more about available resources and support.
📩 For additional information, contact Emilie Gutierrez, Manager of Health Trust Operations, at egutierrez@dvtrusts.com.