Little Change in Benefits, Structure

Apart from the new offerings, changes in benefits for the 2004 FEHB plan year will be relatively minor. However, officials cautioned enrollees to check the plan information when it is made available to be informed of any changes in their plans. In addition, there will be few changes in the structure of benefits. In recent years, many plans have worked to hold down premiums by shifting costs to deductibles and other out-of-pocket expenses. But there is relatively little of that ahead for the 2004 plan year, officials said.