[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6493751,"mediaKeyId","5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e","parentId",5456281,"title","Consultants outline $8M–$9M in potential savings by moving retirees to Medicare Advantage; council urged to act before Aug. 13","audioSeconds",2948,"startMs",7370000,"endMs",10318000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e&start=7370&end=10318","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e/thumbnail_7370000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6493751/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Consultants-outline-8M9M-in-potential-savings-by-moving-retirees-to-Medicare-Advantage-council-urged-to-act-before-Aug-13","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493751-dcf34fa09d001788dd5e63f6a4cfc44b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812307&Signature=AIoowhbvV7BSMWOahSAIyiv4gdEwuMGsg7i9TKR1AypGChzgMWFpoV6WVu3UbrTUIB1dLrw897fg0OegiyLnyprTiwHyCFOqygvGBCP~5p7zxwNrD8m0vaYUbeSruErWkqOyOUdSGVw6TM1QZS7kqEugf0PoDizyqjitFhkw1OrsC0f6VIKw8-lo-soAbyJndqAyQ6AN-wZxQEy1Lp3aC-Pjio2DrblaiWlzZZHWiQd5ZHCrEV-mvtw8TtrhseNnDWGr6D7a3E1j1JAxSxTPQcTECkecQ1NZO-lsfyjoEcjVxM0O2oaJF2Fv1ymRa2sFL6XwVMOJCsjiLh1g-iwrcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Baton Rouge","date","2025-07-24T00:06:32.533Z","article","Insurance consultants hired by the City-Parish presented a detailed report on Aug. 6 on the status of employee and retiree health benefits, telling the Metropolitan Council that administrative and plan design changes could produce multimillion-dollar savings.

Kevin Gardner and Michael Bridal of HUB International walked the council through claims data, retiree enrollment and options that would reduce the city’s medical spend. They said about 1,000 retirees currently participate in a Medicare Advantage option, while roughly 1,800 Medicare-eligible retirees remain on the city’s active group medical plan. The consultants presented a 2024 claims baseline and used actuarial trend to estimate 2026 costs.

The consultants identified three near-term opportunities:

- Align retiree coordination of benefits with active employees and incentivize retirees to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan subsidized by the federal government. HUB estimated that, if 90% of eligible retirees moved to Medicare Advantage, the city could realize about $8.3 million in recurring savings (figures presented as illustrative and subject to actuarial confirmation). Blue Cross’s Medicare Advantage premium was stated at $310 per member for 2025 and projected to rise to $325 in 2026; by contrast, the city’s per-retiree cost on the active group plan was shown as roughly $703 per member on current claims.

- Renegotiate the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) contract and pursue an RFP in 2026. Consultants conservatively estimated $2 million–$3 million in near-term PBM savings from renegotiation, with larger savings possible from a formal competitive procurement; they noted the city’s 2024 pharmacy rebates were substantial and that PBM rebate terms materially affect net plan costs.

- Improve eligibility management and dependent verification to reduce spend on dependents who could be covered elsewhere; consultants estimated additional savings from eligibility reform but said this would take more lead time.

Consultants emphasized timing and the need for clear communications. They told the council that Blue Cross requires notice and that the coordination-of-benefits decision must be communicated in time for open enrollment; they indicated Aug. 13 was the practical deadline to confirm a COB move for implementation work ahead of an October open-enrollment period. Human Resources officials said they would rely on Blue Cross and the consultants for education sessions for retirees and employees.

Legal and policy constraints were discussed. Human Resources and the Parish Attorney’s Office advised the council that existing City-Parish ordinances limit the administration’s ability to make Medicare Advantage enrollment mandatory for current retirees, meaning implementation would proceed via robust education and an opt-out or opt-in administrative approach rather than a forced change for existing retirees. HR also clarified that employees hired on or after Jan. 2, 2004, may be subject to different rules under existing local ordinances.

Council members expressed support for moving quickly, asked for a formal directive to HR to proceed with the recommended steps and requested an outreach plan for employees and retirees. The consultants and HR recommended a careful education campaign before any automatic enrollments, if the council directs staff to proceed. The council asked staff to confirm timelines, next steps and statutory limits before the next meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Metropolitan Council Meeting - | 07-23-2025","oneSentenceSummary","City-Parish insurance consultants recommended aligning retiree benefits with active employees and expanding Medicare Advantage enrollment to capture substantial federal subsidies and reduced claims; consultants also recommended renegotiating pharmacy benefits for additional savings.","taxTitle","Baton Rouge City, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana","taxId",3708,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493755,"Council toughens penalties for alcohol sales to underage after ABC data shows sharp rise in violations",1498,1601000,3099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e&start=1601&end=3099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e/thumbnail_1601000.jpg","/articles/6493755/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-toughens-penalties-for-alcohol-sales-to-underage-after-ABC-data-shows-sharp-rise-in-violations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493755-401952c47595bd4d516653729a45cc60/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812307&Signature=NL4dwCc~RrfJOe9Es0ed9Ms5ZF8a9o-E5cIh~gO8O5~9y5AHFqOvpitQHfv6lt25Am~ywwtBw9-LuLPC9ySVxuZVrwYcujQqle6ehHqylhjtG9p6GEqap8i0r~lzOR1BixlGgSurw8xptmEOU6qemc9xTsBQ57fyEaxe5v0lekoImCA4PwX3xqdmaADsx7B59lgnCSiahnk5qSwAA8O02GFUAX-uSVBErY2eLgSo-40QN0w3kq7Nyxiork5MkLfu5qKk0zV7VOVXruU2oyrIVA2n69jSFp1zTOvXl2J1y6vnd-bj~nkqCYTze0InMvhxAYkl8b1LgilTBr75eCjOWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council on Aug. 6 voted to amend Title 9 — licensing and regulation of trades and occupations — to increase fines and tighten suspensions for businesses and individuals who sell alcohol to minors and to underage buyers (ages 18–20). The change followed ABC board testimony describing a sharp rise in unlawful sales discovered in compliance checks.

Chris, an ABC board representative, told the council that the compliance rate for unlawful sales rose from roughly 6–7% historically to more than 25% in 2024 and about 35% in early 2025. He said the board documented 91 sales in 359–356 compliance checks in 2024 and 59 sales in 168 compliance checks so far in 2025. The board reported increasing numbers of second and third offenses, which guided the authors to propose stiffer penalties.

Under the amendment discussed at the meeting, penalties for business violations would increase substantially from the current levels discussed in the package. The ABC board representative described proposals that would raise business fines for sales to minors and underage buyers into the thousands of dollars and impose minimum suspension periods — for example, a $2,500 business fine with a minimum 30-day suspension for first offenses in certain categories, escalating for subsequent offenses. For sales to persons 17 and under, the ordinance retains mandatory minimum suspensions and fines that the council said the board would still be able to mitigate in limited cases.

Council members raised court-jurisdiction concerns. Councilmember Rocca and the parish attorney’s office explained that Baton Rouge City Court has a jurisdictional cap of $1,000 for misdemeanor fines and penalties and that criminal citations with fines above that threshold would move cases to the Nineteenth Judicial District Court. City-Parish legal staff proposed a floor amendment to separate business penalties (administrative enforcement by the ABC board) from individual criminal fines. Under that amendment, business-level fines and suspensions could be set higher and handled administratively, while individual criminal fines would be capped at $1,000 to allow prosecution in Baton Rouge City Court; the amendment was adopted.

Council members stressed education alongside enforcement. Councilman Hudson and others emphasized expanded training and in-person classes for businesses as a complement to increased penalties. Several council members thanked ABC enforcement staff for on-the-ground work and supported the ordinance as sending a clear message that sales to underage persons will not be tolerated.

The council approved the ordinance as amended. The motion to approve was put by Councilwoman Rocca and seconded by Councilman Hudson; the motion carried.

Key clarifying details from the meeting: ABC board compliance checks showed a rise from roughly 6% noncompliance historically to about 35% in early 2025; the proposed business fine increases discussed in the meeting were in the thousands (e.g., $2,500 and up), and minimum suspension periods were increased, with escalating penalties for second and third offenses. The parish attorney proposed, and the council adopted, an amendment to preserve city-court jurisdiction for individual criminal fines by capping those fines at $1,000 so affected criminal cases remain in Baton Rouge City Court.","The Metropolitan Council amended Title 9 to increase fines and minimum suspensions for businesses that sell alcohol to minors and underage buyers; attorneys secured an amendment to preserve city-court jurisdiction for individual criminal fines.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6493761,"Council approves MOU to place Baton Rouge police officers in parish schools after public opposition",470,845000,1315000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e&start=845&end=1315","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5456281-e76f8fd42170ac6ade4943ffb4edc92e/thumbnail_845000.jpg","/articles/6493761/Baton-Rouge-City/East-Baton-Rouge-Parish/Louisiana/Council-approves-MOU-to-place-Baton-Rouge-police-officers-in-parish-schools-after-public-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6493761-9623a918f1a4fe9401ad97bbc873689a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770812307&Signature=KBR3Fvw~etv3qi8~mJ7E2PI5obxPQaC2LZUdzyjh5xY1mk-gqCOiShkQFg5GXff2nszC8rUfOops2OlfkfeF~Qcaxmkos6~hNv~B3sDTeYKymcPxLf-gO~aSdXSMyH9em4jVRA~2h04aZKcbj6nc3-J31nyPC6-ej9cAF9RVUxjGciIH~1uL~Ti0TUtSeLpB8Sda0rYrafHHeiEaDsKAItHhHsr~Ty5Iu8TIlzcj0R85UjZXCAwZ6dwYIp01FjyWgbJJg~EMkljHXpy5-w6P~acCCl1Tms8hAyS6ro14NRkoHIezBINYtTldZeGdM2ufvjQNkChrXygqMEQxPlaCYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Metropolitan Council on Aug. 6 approved a memorandum of understanding authorizing the mayor-president, on behalf of the Baton Rouge Police Department, to enter an agreement with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for reimbursement of BRPD personnel costs associated with furnishing school resource officers (SROs) for the school year.

Supporters said the officers will supplement school safety efforts and be deployed at the start of the school year. Opponents raised concerns about vague language in the draft MOU, parental rights and a prior allegation of assault by a school resource officer in the parish.

Reverend Anderson, who spoke during public comment, urged the council to pull the item. “I specifically am in opposition to this item for several reasons. Besides the fact that this is in a rather vague MOU that assigns unnecessary responsibilities and roles and gives very little of any power to either parents, particularly parents with special needs children,” Anderson said, referencing a past incident and describing the document as “legally questionable.”

Baton Rouge Police Chief Odell said the department’s intent is to “put resource officers back into our schools” with officers who would help with safety and student interactions. He described the role as assisting school administrators and addressing “outside forces that find their way onto the schools.” Odell confirmed the officers would be commissioned, armed Baton Rouge police officers and would operate only inside BRPD jurisdiction.

Council members pressed the chief for details the MOU did not contain. Councilman Dunn Jr. asked for the purpose and timeline; Odell said the department hopes to start “with the school year” and that officers are being prepared to cover critical transfer locations and the first days of school. When asked about the number of officers or how many schools would participate, the chief said those figures were not yet available but that staff could provide them.

Councilwoman Harris, who moved the motion to approve, and Councilwoman Coleman, who seconded, said they supported the measure. Harris cited prior positive experiences with officers assigned to schools: “There’s a young man... who’s been at a STRUMA... what kind of impact this young man has had on the students.” The motion carried.

The MOU as approved establishes reimbursement terms for BRPD personnel costs but, as presented at the meeting, did not specify the number of officers, school assignments, or an implementation schedule in the public packet. Several council members and the chief said those specifics could be provided by staff on request.

The council vote: motion by Councilwoman Tuana Harris; second by Councilwoman Carolyn Coleman. The motion carried.

The council did not adopt an amendment altering the text of the MOU at the meeting. Council members asked staff to supply more detailed numbers about staffing and school coverage before officers are deployed.","The Metropolitan Council approved a memorandum of understanding allowing Baton Rouge Police Department officers to serve as school resource officers in East Baton Rouge Parish schools for the upcoming school year, despite public objections about the MOU's wording and past incidents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Consultants outline $8M–$9M in potential savings by moving retirees to Medicare Advantage; council urged to act before Aug. 13

Council toughens penalties for alcohol sales to underage after ABC data shows sharp rise in violations

Council approves MOU to place Baton Rouge police officers in parish schools after public opposition