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Committee tables DocConnect search‑engine proposal, seeks trial and negotiation
Summary
The board insurance committee tabled the DocConnect custom search‑engine proposal and asked staff to pursue a trial period and negotiations; the tool was estimated at $1.16 PEPM (~$74,000 annually) and is not currently in the budget.
The Lafayette Parish School System Board Insurance Committee voted to table a proposed custom provider search engine (DocConnect) and requested staff seek a trial and negotiate terms before bringing it back.
Staff (S13) explained that DocConnect would centralize provider search across the district’s multiple networks (direct contracts, Verity, Aetna, etc.), replacing the need for members to check several sites. The estimated cost cited by staff was $1.16 per employee per month, which equated to roughly $74,000 a year based on about 5,300 eligibles; staff said that cost was not included in the current or next fiscal year budget.
Committee members raised concerns about cost and timing and suggested alternatives, including housing a white‑labeled link on the district website or exploring lower‑cost tools. S9 noted the value of owning the product to avoid layering another vendor’s product over the district’s plan; board members suggested trial periods and one‑year contracts with cancelation options.
S8 moved to table the item and seek a trial period; S3 seconded. The motion carried on the recorded voice vote in the committee.
Next steps: staff will explore trial options and negotiation terms and will return the item for further committee consideration if a cost‑effective, demonstrable solution is available.
