GIC Benefit Changes for February 1st, 2010
December 11, 2009
The state’s Group Insurance Commission will implement a range of benefit changes effective February 1, 2010, in order to help close a projected $35 million deficit for FY2010. The changes are listed below.
Please understand that NAGE does not “allow changes,” negotiate with the GIC, or have any control over the GIC’s actions. We cannot negotiate over premiums, co-pays, deductibles. The legislature determines the premium split. NAGE will continue to lobby the legislature to hold down your premium costs, as we always have.
The GIC said on its website that premiums for state employees and Non-Medicare retirees will go down from approximately $6 to $17 per month, depending on your health plan and whether you have individual or family coverage and when you were hired (on or before June 30, 2003). Details on the new premium rates will also be on the GIC’s website.
Benefit Changes Effective February 1, 2010:
- Primary Care Physician Office Visit Copay: $5 increase across all tiers
- Specialist Office Visit Copay: $5 increase across all tiers
- Retail Clinic Copay: $5 increase
- Physical Therapy, Chiropractic and Occupational Therapy Copay: $5 increase
- Outpatient Surgery Copay: $10 increase
- Hi-tech Imaging Copay: $25 increase
- Emergency Room Copay: $25 increase
- Mental Health/Substance Abuse Outpatient Visit Copay: $5 increase
- New deductible for all plans: $250 individual coverage/$750 family coverage; deductible will not be applied to office visits, mental health/substance abuse benefits and prescription drug benefits. Ancillary tests and procedures performed at an office visit are subject to the deductible.
It is not known at this time whether these changes will carry into FY11. Additional details about health plan benefits for FY11 will be included in your GIC Benefit Decision Guide, which is delivered before annual enrollment, April 12-May 10, 2010. Annual enrollment gives you the opportunity to change health plans if you wish.
Please see the health plan area of the GIC website for additional details about the benefit changes. Your health plan will also send you a letter with updates to your plan handbook.