Shreveport, Louisiana (KTAL/KMSS) – Mayor Adrian Perkins held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to reveal information about health coverage.
In response to allegations that Willis-Knighton’s insurance partners did not receive requests for proposals, the mayor released to the public two packets showing RFPs were sent to both Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. The mayor revealed that consultant Gallagher sent his RFP, but the city of Shreveport did not.
“If you have not seen an RFP from the City of Shreveport, it is because the City contractor, Gallagher, issued the RFP. You can, but it’s not the City of Shreveport’s responsibility to issue the RFP,” Perkins said.
Perkins said Gallagher responded Monday and was able to move forward with Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, the insurance company’s exchanges with city officials at the city council today continued, with one he opposes.
AETNA’s outside counsel said it had authority to make a statement, refuting Perkins’ claim that the request for proposals was issued on July 15.
“Again, no, AETNA has never been provided with an RFP. It was an email request, Mr. Whitehorn produced a document from AETNA labeled Proposal, but he did not produce a document labeled as Request for Proposals from the City or Gallagher. He didn’t because no such document exists, and if it did, surely we would see it by now,” said AETNA attorney Jennifer Herbert. rice field.
The city said it had an official letter from AETNA dated April, and the city’s consulting group Gallagher received an email with the RFP in July.
“It’s from Gallagher. The July document. Again, she mixed up two different documents. The April presentation. The July document. It’s written,” said Perkins.
Now the mayor is asking AETNA to release the documents to resolve the matter, which lawyers say are confidential. The lawmakers came to the mayor’s defense.
“There is no reason why AETNA cannot release that document. will gladly swallow it,” said District C Councilor John Nickelson.
Some have suggested that Gallagher may be to blame for poor communication.
“To me, it looks like a mess. you said yes i don’t think this is your fault i feel like i fell off somewhere maybe it was the gallager they were very disrespectful to the chair so last time i talk to us I didn’t even do it.
The council has withdrawn a resolution that would not have approved last week’s decision by the Health Care Trust Fund Board, which would remove the three-tier plan and offer retirees an optional Medicare Advantage Plan.
“But it’s important for us as a council, and for our voters, that our employees and retirees have all the information to make informed decisions about their health care over the next year. Another challenge is that the city doesn’t have the money in the trust fund to continue paying for health care at the rate we’re currently paying,” said District B City Councilman LeVette Fuller. I’m here.
Fuller said the board needs to go back to planning and develop a new plan. A meeting is scheduled next week to discuss the new plan.
The council stressed that employees and retirees will never lose access to Willis Knighton doctors.
Alderman James Green is in talks with local attorney Ron Michiot to bring the city together with Willis Knighton to make it a win-win for everyone. Say you accepted.
.
