06/18/2009
Individual rates to change effective Aug. 1
As you know, each year we evaluate our Individual plans to determine if a rate adjustment is needed to cover our members' health care costs. It is important to us that members know that we are providing the best overall value in using the dollars they contribute to meet the health care needs of the community. After careful consideration, we will be increasing the rates for our Individual plans by 16.89% effective Aug. 1, 2009. Members who have changed age bands will have an adjustment for that as well.
There are many factors that drive the cost of health care. Please review what experts have identified as the top 10 cost drivers, as well as solutions for both industry and consumers. Regence is committed to being a leader in providing solutions and driving reform that is necessary to help control costs.
We understand your clients may have questions about the rate increase, and we want to support you in evaluating their options. On Jun. 19, we will begin an outbound call campaign directed to those members most significantly impacted by the rate increase. Our intent is to answer any questions they may have regarding the rate renewal and offer assistance in reviewing plan options.
For example, it is important that our members understand that enrollment in a catastrophic health plan may not provide portability if they later decide to enroll in another Individual health plan. For this purpose, portability means the member will receive credit for his or her plan's pre-existing condition waiting period based upon prior coverage. By enrolling in a catastrophic plan, members may lose their portability rights and have to wait up to nine months for coverage of any pre-existing condition, should they later change to another Individual health plan.
Starting Jun. 22 we will also begin mailing letters to current members and new members. Additionally, health plan contracts renew every 18 months. In a separate mailing members will receive their notification of contract renewal, their new contract and a summary of changes which take effect Aug. 1, 2009.
The following rate sheets and corresponding benefit summaries are effective Aug. 1, 2009:
| Plan |
Rates |
Summary of Benefits |
Regence BreakthruSM
(except Breakthru 80) |
Breakthru 50 Rates
Breakthru 70 Rates |
Breakthru 50 Benefit Summary
Breakthru 70 Benefit Summary |
| Regence HSA Healthplan |
Rates |
Benefit Summary |
| Regence HSA Comprehensive Healthplan |
Rates |
Benefit Summary |
| Regence NowSelectSM |
Rates |
Benefit Summary |
The following products are closed to new members; however, members currently enrolled on a closed product may renew:
Regence Individual plans continue to include access to a variety of programs for members designed to maximize their coverage, such as BlueCard® with nationwide access, Regence Rx, wellness programs and myRegence.com among others. Choosing a health plan isn't just about comparing deductibles, benefits, and cost. It's about partnering with a health plan that provides real value—and that's Regence.
We value your partnership and appreciate your assistance in providing health care solutions in our community. If you have any questions, please talk to your Regence Consumer Sales contact.
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