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LifeWise Plans Help Members Improve Health and Prevent High Cost Medical Conditions

Posted on: Monday, 23 July 2007, 12:12 CDT

Adhering to the classic adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon's new plans will offer members access to preventive care screenings at no cost. A lower cost, catastrophic plan (WiseEssentials) will cover six doctor's office visits per year and health screenings to encourage access to appropriate care without having to first satisfy the deductible.

"Offering first dollar coverage for some preventive care can help members avoid serious medical issues altogether, or deal with them long before they become serious," said Majd El-Azma, LifeWise president and chief executive officer. "These plans demonstrate LifeWise's commitment to help members improve their health while we work together toward more sustainable health care costs."

For example, on the WiseEssentials plan, the annual deductible is waived for six office visits. Essential preventive services such as immunizations, mammograms, cholesterol testing, and screenings for cervical, prostate and colorectal cancers are covered in full. And, there is no limit on the generic prescription drug benefit.

"We recognize that members want comprehensive coverage, but are also concerned about high health-care costs," said Jeff Roe, vice president and general manager of LifeWise Individual and Family Plans. "By designing lower cost, high-deductible plans with upfront coverage for routine medical needs and health screenings, we can deliver an affordable premium and access to care to maintain and improve members' health. These are benefits that members can use immediately when their ID cards are effective."

A $5,000-deductible WiseEssentials plan is available for about $80 per month for those ages 35 to 39.

Individuals may purchase the LifeWise plans now for a September 1, 2007, effective date. The plans include:

WiseEssentials -- features higher deductibles, leaner benefits and low monthly premiums. Deductible options range from $1,500 to $7,500. Preventive screenings, immunizations and mammograms are covered in full. Maternity care is covered at 75 percent after the deductible. No annual limit on generic prescription drugs with $20 copay. Discounts available on brand-name prescriptions. On the $1,500 deductible plan, the deductible is waived for outpatient diagnostic imaging and lab services.

WiseChoices -- offers unlimited office visits at a set copay as well as vision coverage and accident benefits. Deductibles range from $500 to $5,000. Per-visit copays for preventive, professional, urgent care, chiropractic, acupuncture and naturopathic office visits. Preventive screenings, immunizations and mammography covered in full. Maternity coverage at 80 percent after deductible is met. Pharmacy benefits include both generic and brand-name prescriptions.

WiseSavings -- a health-savings account qualified plan. Provides coverage for major medical services and the opportunity to save money on a tax-advantaged basis. Deductibles are $3,000 for an individual and $6,000 for a family. Preventive screenings, immunizations and mammography covered in full. Preventive generic cardiac drugs are reimbursed at 100 percent. Deductible waived for preventive care exams.

All LifeWise Individual & Family Plan members are eligible for health and disease management programs, 24-hour coverage, and use of the 24-hour NurseLine.

About LifeWise

Our mission is to provide our members with peace of mind about their health-care coverage. LifeWise has been serving the health insurance needs of Oregon families and employers for more than 20 years.

LifeWise Health Plan of Oregon is a member of a family of companies with operations in Portland and Bend, Oregon; Mountlake Terrace and Spokane, Washington; Anchorage, Alaska; and Scottsdale and Tucson, Arizona. LifeWise and its affiliates employ about 3,000 people and provide health-care coverage and related services to 1.5 million members and their families.

Source: Business Wire

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