Judge: Lawsuit Against Office Of Group Benefits Can Advance

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A Baton Rouge state judge has ruled that a lawsuit that claims the Jindal administration mismanaged the state health insurance program and illegally implemented changes to it can move forward.

Six retired state employees allege the state Office of Group Benefits failed to follow approval procedures required in Louisiana law that call for prior notice and public comment.

The Advocate reports Winston DeCuir Sr., one of the state's attorneys, argued Monday before District Judge Janice Clark that a public hearing was held but was poorly attended.

The suit, which seeks monetary damages, accuses the Office of Group Benefits of poor financial management.

Former Commissioner of Administration Kristy Nichols has said the administration acted properly to deal with rising health care costs.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com