Good News on Insurance

Post date: Aug 23, 2010 11:20:11 PM

The Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) announced last week the rates for 2011. The Individual premium (based on the HealthChoice High Option) is increasing 2.49 percent, but the good news is the State Department of Education sent school districts enough money to cover a 3 percent increase.

In addition, members will breathe a big sigh of relief to know that co-pays for primary care office visits have been reduced to $30 (down from $50). Primary care physicians are defined as general practice, internal medicine, OB/GYN, pediatricians, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners. Trips to specialists will still require a $50 co-pay.

Also, OSEEGIB has enhanced the preventive/wellness plan by allowing no copay visits for children from birth to 19 years old (up to eight visits a year for children 0-12 months, four visits for ages 1-2; 2 visits for 3-5 years; and one for ages 6-19). People 20 and older are allowed one preventive office visit per with no copay, including a lipid panel and comprehensive metabolic panel.

All changes will become effective on Jan. 1, 2011.

OEA was the only teacher organization to attend and make a statement during OSEEGIB’s open hearing on potential rate increases earlier this month. We appreciate how Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland and the other HealthChoice board members listened to OEA member concerns and found a way to reduce copays for doctor visits.