LINCOLN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Ruston, Louisiana

SPECIAL CALLED SESSION

Thursday, October 24, 2024  4:00 p.m.

The Lincoln Parish School Board met in Special Called Session on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the Lincoln Parish School Board Office, 410 South Farmerville Street, Ruston, Louisiana.  Members present were Ms. Debbie Abrahm, Mr. Clark Canterbury, Ms. Donna Doss, Mr. David Ferguson, Mr. Danny Hancock, Ms. Lynda Henderson, Mr. George Mack, Jr., Mr. Joe Mitcham, Mr. Gregg Phillips, and Mr. Hunter Smith.

Mr. Otha Anders and Dr. Danielle Williams were absent.

President Gregg Phillips called the meeting to order, gave the invocation, and led in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag.

Upon a motion by Mr. Mitcham, seconded by Mr. Canterbury, the Board voted to adopt the agenda as printed.

Chief Financial Officer Juanita Duke said that in January of 2020, Lincoln Parish implemented the Medicare Advantage health plan as a great cost savings to the health plan for retirees and their spouses who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.  For the 2025 renewal, consultants Brown & Brown provided two plans for consideration.  After careful consideration, the proposal from UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is deemed the best option in benefits and cost.  The UHC plan benefits are equal to or better than Blue Cross plan benefits, with the exception of dental services and the OTC card.

Ms. Jo Ann Wetzel with UHC Retiree Solutions addressed the Board remotely.  She said that UHC took the current plan and built a custom plan from the ground up to match or enhance that plan, including a robust formulary and a bonus drug list of those commonly prescribed to seniors.

Upon a motion by Ms. Doss, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve non-renewal of the Medicare Advantage Plan coverage with Blue Cross Blue Shield and placement of coverage with UnitedHealthcare effective January 1, 2025; and further, grant authorization to the Superintendent to sign agreements necessary to implement these changes.

Ms. Duke said that BCBSLA had been the plan administrator for employee health and dental coverage since 2012.  Due to the fast-paced increases in medical and pharmacy claims, marketing for this year’s renewal was focused on all areas of plan administration.  After evaluating proposals with Brown & Brown, and tasking several meetings with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) representatives, the recommendation for administration of the plans became very clear.  United Medical Resources (UMR) offers the best solutions at the right cost and savings and is positioned to achieve the best healthcare outcomes for participants.  Mr. Charpentier with Brown & Brown, along with representatives from UMR and UHC were on hand to answer questions.

Upon a motion by Mr. Hancock, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the Board unanimously voted to approve (1) terminating health and dental plan administration services with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, for claims incurred through December 31,2024, and authorize the Superintendent to contract with BCBSLA to continue the payment of run-off claims thereafter; and (2) UnitedHealthcare partners to provide health, dental and pharmacy administration services effective January 1,2025; and authorize the Superintendent to sign agreements necessary to implement these changes.

Ms. Duke reported the last rate adjusted to employee and retiree paid health plan premiums was applied in January 2009.  Since that time, LPSB has funded 100% of the increases in plan costs.  She then offered proposed rate increases for the self-insured plan, Medicare Advantage plan for the 2025 plan year, and transfer of funds based on plan performance in 2025.

Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Mitcham, the Board approved the premium recommendations, and transfer of funds based on plan performance during the 2025 plan year.

Upon a motion by Mr. Smith, seconded by Ms. Abrahm, the meeting adjourned at 5:38 p.m.