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Blue Cross And Blue Shield Federal Employee Program's Basic OptionEnrollees Will Gain New Benefits And No Premium Increase In 2006

Posted on: Thursday, 15 September 2005, 18:00 CDT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15 /U.S. Newswire/ -- For the second year in a row, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield government-wide Service Benefit Plan's (Federal Employee Program or FEP) Basic Option will hold out- of-pocket premium costs steady for federal employees, retirees and their families in 2006. The benefits will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

While holding premium costs at the 2005 levels, FEP is also expanding benefits for Basic Option enrollees. The new benefit enhancements for Basic Option include dropping all separate copayments for laboratory and x-ray services rendered by outpatient facilities; limiting the copayment for maternity care to a total of $100 per admission; four annual covered visits for nutritional counseling; 100 percent coverage for meningococcal vaccines for individuals under the age of 22; and colorectal cancer screenings.

In 2006, the bi-weekly out-of-pocket premium shares for Basic Option will remain at $37.99 for self coverage and $88.99 for family coverage.

Out-of-pocket premiums for the Standard Option of the Service Benefit Plan will continue to be competitive with those of the other major national programs of the Federal

Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). New 2006 Standard Option benefit enhancements include 10 annual chiropractic and acupuncturist visits; four annual outpatient nutritional counseling visits; 100 percent coverage for meningococcal vaccines for individuals under the age of 22; and colorectal screenings. The premium increase for the Standard Option will be 8.5 percent. Employee bi-weekly out-of-pocket premium shares will increase 14.5 percent (or $7.36) for Standard Option, self coverage, and 14.8 percent (or $17.53) for family coverage. Standard Option subscribers will pay a total of $58.07 bi-weekly for self coverage and $135.59 bi-weekly for family coverage.

Federal employees, retirees and their families will make their healthcare coverage decisions during Open Season, Nov. 14 through Dec. 12.

"Our top priority is to provide unsurpassed healthcare offerings to our members while also maintaining excellent choice and price," said Stephen Gammarino, senior vice president, National Programs, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). "The addition of enhanced benefits coupled with the collective strength of the 40 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans nationwide means the Service Benefit Plan remains one the most affordable and comprehensive health insurance offerings for federal employees, retirees and their families. Members have access to broad provider networks at competitive rates along with excellent customer service."

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Government-wide Service Benefit Plan has been part of the FEHBP since its inception in 1960. FEP covers roughly 4.5 million federal employees, retirees and their families out of the total 8.5 million people (contract holders as well as their dependents) who receive their benefits through FEHBP. BCBSA works with the Office of Personnel Management to administer the Service Benefit Plan on behalf of the 40 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is made up of 40 independent, locally owned and operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for more than 93 million -- nearly one-in-three -- Americans. For more information about the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association and the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, visit http://www.BCBS.com. For more information on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Federal Employee Program, visit http://www.fepblue.org.

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http://www.usnewswire.com

Source: U.S. Newswire

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