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Board approves 2027 health-plan renewals after staff raise access concerns
Summary
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board approved recommended 2027 renewals and rate design for employee health plans while staff and public commenters urged the district to address provider-network and medication-access problems before the plans take effect on Jan. 1.
The East Baton Rouge Parish School Board on Aug. 6 approved a package of 2027 health-benefit renewals, including continuing pharmacy and stop-loss arrangements, after public commenters and board members raised concerns about provider-network changes and prescription access.
An online commenter identified in the meeting as Miss Matthews told the board, "The current plan that we have has caused huge problems for our employees," saying members were unable to get medications or see the doctors they selected during open enrollment. Public commenter James Finney told the board, "Because everything you do revolves around personnel showing up and being able to do their jobs. It's imperative to keep them healthy," urging the district to collect more targeted feedback rather than relying solely on social media.
Gallagher consultants presented the renewal recommendation and described the two plan options as built on the National Blue Cross PPO network, with local "anchor" providers that yield better benefits for members who use them. A Gallagher representative said the designs "are both on the National Blue Cross PPO network," adding that “if you go to the anchor providers in your plan, you get a better benefit.” The consultants recommended no rate increase for employees in 2027; a presenter stated this would be the sixth consecutive year without a rate change for employees.
Board members pressed staff for follow-up steps. Member Mr. Godet asked the district HR team to create an employee-facing portal to collect and categorize complaints; staff agreed to develop a portal and include information in regular HR updates. The board also asked administration to meet with retirees and stakeholder groups before the plan takes effect on Jan. 1 so the district can verify whether provider-network changes have affected employee access.
The motion to approve the renewals was made and carried during the meeting. Board members said they expect additional outreach and data-gathering before the effective date.
