Collection:LPB

Genre: Newsmagazine

Place Covered: Louisiana

Copyright Holder: Louisiana Educational Television Authority

Date Issued: 2014-09-26

Duration: 00:08:31

Subjects: Health Care | HEALTH INSURANCE | Louisiana. Office of Group Benefits

Contributors:

• Whinham, Charlie Host
• Sanford, Shauna Host
• Whinham, Charlie Reporter
• Woods, Virnado Photographer
• Clement, Ray Interviewee
• Barlow, Helen Interviewee
• Nichols, Kristy Speaker
• Kennedy, John Neely Interviewee
• Groves, Thomas Interviewee
• Jobert, Frank Interviewee
• Stewart, James Interviewee

This segment from the September 26, 2014, episode of the series “Louisiana: The State We’re In” features Charlie Whinham’s report on the controversial changes to the health insurance plans offered to current and retired state employees through the Office of Group Benefits. His report touches on: the increase in the co-pays and deductibles; the decrease in the health insurance surplus fund from $500 million to $207 million over a three year period; and Attorney General Buddy Caldwell’s opinion that the new plans may not be legal because the Jindal Administration did not allow sufficient time for public comment and legislative review. This report also includes highlights of Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichol’s testimony before a special meeting of the Louisiana House of Representatives. It also includes interviews with: Ray Clement, a retiree from Lafayette; Helen Barlow, a retiree from Livonia; State Treasurer John Kennedy; Assistant Commissioner Thomas Groves of the Division of Administration; Frank Jobert of the Retired State Employees Association; and James Stewart, the president of the Louisiana Retired Teachers Association. Hosts: Charlie Whinham and Shauna Sanford