New Offerings Also Detailed

The new benefit offerings will include: higher home health care reimbursement, up to 100 percent of the daily benefit amount; the choice of a two-year benefit period, in addition to the current options for three years, five years or lifetime coverage; higher daily benefit amounts, available from $100 to $450 in $50 increments, compared with the current range of $50 to $300 in $25 increments; coverage for up to 500 days for informal care provided by family members who do not normally live with the insured rather than 365 days; a waiting period based on calendar days; and coverage for bed reservations up to 60 days. Current enrollees who elect from among these benefits will pay premiums at a lower rate than what will apply to their current age, to take into account that they have paid premiums under the original benefit structure.