Committee approves dependent-audit to begin January 2026 after prior audits saved district about $200,000 annually

The Bossier Parish Schools Insurance Committee approved a dependent eligibility audit to begin in January 2026. Chief Financial Officer Nisha Bamberg told the committee previous audits found ineligible dependents (commonly due to divorce or separation) and produced net savings of approximately $200,000 per year. The committee voted unanimously to proceed. Why it matters: Dependent audits verify that only eligible dependents remain on the district health plan, protecting plan sustainability and limiting premium exposure for employees and the district. Details: Bamberg said the district previously conducted two dependent audits, both of which identified ineligible dependents. The first audits required mailed documentation and proved burdensome; the most recent audit used an online portal allowing employees to upload photos of documents from cellphones, and the vendor provided multiple notifications and member support. Bamberg said the vendor sends lists of nonresponsive employees and the district then conducts individual outreach; after multiple deadlines, noncompliant dependents are removed. The committee discussed cadence; Bamberg said audits were previously conducted about every five years and that the committee is considering shortening that interval to three years. Next steps: The audit will start in January 2026, after open enrollment. The committee instructed staff to proceed with vendor engagement and member communications.