Changes are Relatively Minor

For the calendar 2006 plan year, there will be 279 plan choices, up by 30 from currently, reflecting several new plans joining the program and the expansion into additional states of some current plans. There will be seven new health maintenance organization-based “high deductible health plans” bringing the total of such plans to 21, and there will be 10 new HMO standard option plans, bringing the number to 46. There will be relatively little change in coverage terms; however there will be continued emphasis on managed care and other cost containment measures.