LOUISVILLE, Ky. — New Louisville Metro Government employees could soon receive health insurance coverage starting on their first day of work under newly proposed legislation.
Councilwoman Josie Raymond, D-10, and Councilman JP Lyninger, D-6, introduced the measure Monday to eliminate the current waiting period that delays coverage until the first day of the following month.
Under the existing system, new hires can be left temporarily uninsured or forced to purchase costly short-term coverage. The sponsors say this gap disproportionately affects essential public service workers, including snowplow operators, animal control officers and other frontline employees.
“This affected me personally when I was sworn into office last January and realized I would be uninsured for a month,” Raymond said in a statement. “We filed this legislation so no one starting a job with Metro has to worry about a gap in coverage at the exact moment they’re beginning public service.”
Raymond and Lyninger said they worked with Metro Administration officials last spring to review best practices and evaluate the fiscal and operational impacts of providing day-one coverage.
Kentucky implemented a similar policy for state employees in January 2025, after announcing the change the year before.
“Metro Government should be an employer that supports its workers from day one,” Lyninger said. “Immediate access to health insurance removes an unnecessary barrier for new employees and sends a clear message that we value the people who keep our city running.”
The city previously expanded employee benefits, including paid parental leave, in 2020. Lyninger added that day-one coverage would provide peace of mind for workers and help families avoid expensive temporary insurance options.
The proposal is scheduled for discussion during Metro Council’s Equity, Community Affairs, Housing, Health and Education Committee meeting on Feb. 18.
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