Some Changes in Offerings

By: fedweek

For 2008 there will be 283 plans, one fewer than in 2007 because 14 plans are dropping out and 13 new plans are joining. The dropouts have about 29,000 enrollees, the largest of them the Blue HMO in Ohio, with nearly 17,000. Other significant changes, officials said, are that Blue Cross will offer pilot high-deductible plans with health savings accounts in its Basic option in certain areas, and the Mail Handlers Union plan will merge its high and standard option plans, with high option enrollees moving to the standard option unless they elect otherwise and the plan offering a new “value” option. Thirty-two more plans will be offering high-deductible options, although to date such options have attracted less than a tenth of a percentage point of enrollees. Terms of coverage will generally remain the same with the notable exception of improved hearing benefits for children.