By DONNA JACOB

Staff Reporter

RESERVE – In an effort to prevent skyrocketing insurance costs, the St. John Parish School board recently voted to switch from its health insurance provider, United Health Care, to a new plan offered by Blue Cross.

The decision was made following the insurance committee’s announcement of a 23.7 percent rate increase to renew its policy through United Health Care.

The board voted to replace its current health care provider with Blue Cross, avoiding the increase in insurance costs.

Under the Blue Cross plan, employees will have no yearly deductible to satisfy under the HMO 45 and Premiere Blue 48 health plans. The Blue Saver plan will have a $1,700 yearly deductible for individuals and $3,450 for families.

One disadvantage will be no out of network benefits for employees except for emergencies.

Active employees and retirees with more than 20 years of service are eligible to enroll in the new plan.

Any school board employee who has not enrolled in the new plan should contact Deborah Anderson or Kitty Gaudia at the school board office at (504)536-1106.