Premium Rate Increase Lower Than Expected

Post date: Sep 2, 2010 11:33:58 PM

From the OEA:

The Oklahoma State and Education Employees Group Insurance Board (OSEEGIB) met yesterday and lowered the expected premium rate increase from about 2.5 percent to 1.5 percent. The one percent across-the-board reduction came as a result of an Oklahoma Supreme Court decision that recently ruled it unconstitutional to place a fee on health insurance claims. OEA leadership said the decision to lower rate increases across the board will benefit all education employees, including educators who insure their spouse and children. Unlike state employees and legislators, education employees have to pay out-of-pocket for dependent coverage ranging from $230 up to $968 per month for the recommended Health Choice High Option.

Other changes for the upcoming plan year include:

• Copays reduced from $50 to $30

• For members and dependents under the age of 20, preventive office visits will be covered at 100% with no copay. (Click here for a list describing preventive office visits.)

• Members over the age of 20 will receive one free preventive office visit each year including one comprehensive metabolic panel and one lipid profile.