Opinion Number

Dear Mr. Ponder:

As outlined in your request, you seek our opinion on the following issues:

1. Can the City-Parish mandate health insurance enrollment as a condition of employment for new hires?

2. Can the City-Parish pay a greater portion of health insurance premiums for lower paid employees than what is paid for higher paid employees?

As you already know, the City-Parish can pay up to 100% of the premiums for group health (including dental) insurance coverage for its employees, officials and retirees. The payment by the City-Parish for these premiums is generally considered compensation for the…