Last modified: Thursday, December 4, 2008 1:58 AM EST Mansfield gets grant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts presented Mansfield with a $5,000 grant for implementing a health insurance cost-cutting program. Pictured from left are: John Coughlin, Blue Cross’ vice president of select markets; Mansfield Town Manager John D’Agostino and Eleanor Laffey, account executive at Blue Cross. (Sumbitted photo) Mansfield's accent on health pays off BY MATT KAKLEY SUN CHRONICLE STAFF MANSFIELD - A program to keep town employees healthy and cut insurance costs has netted Mansfield $5,000 in grant money. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts gave the town a check for $5,000 last month, rewarding a program that has given police officers a chance to earn $1,000 if they meet physical benchmarks, determined by age. "Mansfield has adopted a long-term strategy that addresses the drivers of health-care costs," said John Coughlin, vice president of select markets at Blue Cross Blue Shield. "We hope that by highlighting the successes of this community, other communities and businesses will be inspired to implement similar programs." Town Manager John D'Agostino said the program keeps the officers healthier, reducing the need for insurance claims for problems like diabetes and heart attacks, and therefore lowering insurance costs. "If we can reduce our claims, we can ultimately reduce out premiums," D'Agostino said. The program was part of the police officers contract that began in 2007 and is set to expire next year. D'Agostino said he hopes the town will be able to continue the program in the next contract, as well as expanding it to other town departments. D'Agostino said, pending selectmen approval, the grant money will go toward bringing in nutritionists to meet with town employees to develop healthier eating habits. D'Agostino said he also hopes to use the money for meditation groups, as well as yoga and pilates classes during lunch breaks to keep employees more active during the day. MATT KAKLEY covers Mansfield for The Sun Chronicle. He can be reached at 508-236-0333 or at mkakley@thesunchronicle.com.