East Baton Rouge council OKs new health insurance plan

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) – The East Baton Rouge Metro Council moved forward with its new health insurance plan design for city-parish employees and retirees.

District Five Councilman Darryl Hurst was the only one who voted ‘no.’

The plan is designed to provide a more cost-efficient route for needs such as spousal coverage and advantage options for retired employees aged 65 and older.

“The largest question for me was not about savings. It was about what happens to that person who has a specialist. They deal with oncology issues and renal issues. I said, can they go to that same doctor?” said Hurst.

Hurst said one of his most significant issues was a lack of understanding of the distinction between opting in and opting out of the new plan. “I thought that we should have taken the same amount of time to get people to opt in versus opt out. That way they don’t feel forced or have the opportunity to be educated,” said Hurst.

Something else he said raised questions about the cost. Weighing in the factors of ‘Thrive EBR‘, and potential lawsuits if the plan isn’t helping those who use it. “It is not a $19 million savings to the general fund, which is what people in the public think is $6.25 million. Because at 19 million I won’t know the draft, but at 6.25 million, I’m voting yes, all day because without that we have to cut even more city services,” said Hurst.

The council members in favor of the plan said this has been in the works for quite some time, and the longer they delay, the more issues they encounter.

The new plan starts in Jan. 2026. Council members said people should look out for town hall meetings on how to enroll in the next few weeks. Additionally, information will be provided next week on how to enroll if you cannot attend the meetings in person.

Mayor-President Sid Edwards released the following statement:

“Today’s vote is a significant step toward strengthening our City-Parish’s financial stability while ensuring we continue to provide quality healthcare for employees and retirees. I want to thank the Metropolitan Council for its decisive action and partnership in this effort. The $16 million in projected savings, combined with the ongoing Thrive EBR initiative, reflects our shared commitment to fiscal responsibility, employee and retiree well-being, and protecting taxpayer dollars. Together, we are taking meaningful action to secure the long-term sustainability of our healthcare program and the services our community depends on.”