LAFAYETTE, Mo. (KADN) — The Lafayette Parish School System is facing a nearly $8 million deficit for health insurance benefits for current and retired teachers and other current employees.
The school board said the cost of paying for compensation could increase.
Approximately 10,000 people receive health insurance benefits from LPSS, and the budget deficit to provide them is expected to only grow.
“These numbers are only getting worse, and our CPA firm says they are likely to get even worse over time,” said Tracy Wirtz of LPSS. spoke. …”
School district auditors estimate that these medical costs could increase by nearly 40 percent in the coming years.
“Everyone who has insurance across America faces interest rate adjustments, interest rate changes, and even policy changes. This is really no different than what would happen on the open market. No one likes it,” Wirtz explained.
Some retired teachers are concerned about moving from their favorite existing Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to Medicare Advantage plans that offer fewer options for accessing local doctors.
“Well, our main concern is the increase in premiums. We know we’re short on funds right now. There’s also the issue of wanting most of us to enroll in an Advantage plan.” said one retired teacher. And most of us feel very uncomfortable having to use an Advantage plan. ”
School administrators said they are finalizing a revised insurance plan that they plan to present to the school board at its next meeting next week.
