No Major Changes in Coverage Expected

In its annual "call letter" to carriers earlier this year, OPM did not mandate major changes in benefits in the program for 2009. However, it did encourage FEHB carriers to enhance hearing benefits for adults, including coverage of hearing aids, as well as offer pilot programs for Medicare-eligible annuitants within existing options that could include premium pass-through accounts to be used for paying some or all of Medicare premiums. OPM also: encouraged carriers to continue adding new health information technology and to offer high deductible health plans with health savings account and health reimbursement arrangement features; encouraged HMOs that are experiencing high premium increases due to local market conditions to submit "remedial proposals;" called attention to recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents; and encouraged carriers to review their coverage of durable medical equipment coverage.