08/22/2011
Individual rates to change effective October 1, 2011
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC) has approved our rate increase request for new and renewing Individual policies effective Oct. 1, 2011. Starting Aug. 24, 2011, we'll begin mailing
letters notifying members about changes in their rates. As communicated
earlier this month, the average increase is 11.4%. The rates in this filing are increasing in part due to benefit
changes that were implemented beginning Jan. 1, 2011, under federal health care reform. Of the 11.4% average rate change, the average increase due to the benefit changes is 3.4%. We chose to delay the increase for the benefit changes until the Oct. 1, 2011, annual pool rate adjustment. These rates are in effect for all members starting Oct. 1, 2011, regardless of when coverage began.
As new and renewing members evaluate their health care needs and the value of our health plan offerings, we appreciate your support in addressing questions about the rate increase and raising awareness about rising medical and prescription costs.
For the Regence EvolveSM products, members will receive an endorsement page that provides the new rate based on their family demographic. This doesn't include a listing of alternative plans or rate options. If you have clients interested in reviewing other plans or rate options, please refer to the rate
sheets.
Our Individual plans will continue to provide the value members expect from us. This includes information and tools to help them better understand and manage their individual health care needs and options. Our benefit plans provide care and disease management support, health coaching, access to the BlueCard® national network, 24-hour nurse advice and behind-the-scenes support to ensure accurate and timely claims processing and payment. In addition, we offer a secure website,
myRegence.com, which provides information on care options, health cost comparisons, advice and articles on health issues, the ability to navigate claims history and locate providers, and a chat room that provides a forum for community discussions regarding health and wellness.
If you have any questions, please talk to your Regence Sales contact or call Individual Sales Producer Support at 1 (800) 557-0555.
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