Smithfield to join NCHIP, expects significant insurance savings

The Smithfield, North Carolina, Town Council has decided to enroll its employees in the North Carolina Health Insurance Pool, a move expected to reduce the town's health insurance premiums and protect it from future spikes, reports the Johnston County Report. The decision, which could save the town over $100,000 this year and $1.1 million over the next five years, comes in response to a projected 13% increase in annual premiums under its current private insurance carrier.