Your Partner in Public Risk Management

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.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of mental well-being and connect members with meaningful support. To help you do just that, Telemynd is offering two complimentary virtual webinars this spring, designed to provide practical guidance and reduce stigma around seeking care. These sessions are open to all members at no cost and are especially relevant for those who serve our communities each day. A Provider Network Built for Those Who Serve Telemynd’s provider network is thoughtfully built to support individuals in public-facing and essential roles. This includes public service employees, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, military families, and others working behind the scenes to keep our communities running. Their approach focuses on making care accessible, timely, and easy to use. Members can connect with licensed therapists and psychiatric providers through telehealth, often within just a few days. Upcoming Free Webinars Holding Steady in Uncertain Times: Supporting Military Families Through Anticipation, Stress, and Change 📅 Wednesday, May 20, 2026 🕛 12:00 PM ET With Memorial Day approaching, this session offers a timely opportunity to recognize and support military-connected members, including active duty, Reserve or Guard, veterans, and their families. It explores the unique challenges these individuals face and provides strategies for navigating stress and change. PTSD and Stress Injury Responses: How Traumatic Events Impact Us 📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026 🕛 12:00 PM ET Held in recognition of PTSD Awareness Month, this webinar focuses on how trauma affects mental health and everyday functioning. It is particularly valuable for organizations supporting public safety professionals, first responders, and veteran populations. Why This Matters These resources are designed to be both accessible and actionable: Telemynd services are in-network and covered under your existing Aetna behavioral health benefit Members can quickly connect with licensed providers through convenient telehealth appointments Webinars are free and open to all, regardless of whether someone is currently receiving care Encouraging participation in these sessions is a simple way to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and connect members to support when they need it most. Learn More and Share To help you spread the word, a Telemynd plan sponsor flyer and an enhanced provider search flyer are available. These materials can be shared with your teams to highlight available services and make it easier for members to find in-network care. Together, small steps like sharing resources and starting conversations can make a meaningful impact on mental health awareness and support. 💚

Who doesn’t enjoy the shade and UV protection that an umbrella provides on a hot sunny day? But have you considered how that umbrella is anchored into the ground or its base, especially when the winds pick up?