Spring 2009

Low-cost products for uninsured Floridians gaining ground

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) saw a substantial enrollment increase in its newly introduced low-cost products during 2008, as Floridians searched for affordable health insurance options for themselves and their families during a slowing economy.

Florida ranks third in the nation for the highest number of uninsured among the states.¹ One in four Florida residents younger than age 65 is uninsured, according to a report released last year by the Florida Health Insurance Advisory Board.²

“We have responded to this growing need in the market with a variety of product choices that focus on affordability, access and support,” says John Montgomery, M.D., M.P.H., BCBSF senior medical director, Professional Relations. “Our low-cost products not only address health insurance concerns but fulfill our mission to advance the health and well-being of all Floridians while meeting our business growth goals.”

BlueOptions

BCBSF has a variety of BlueOptions plans including lower-cost plans and health savings account (HSA) compatible plans (plans with tax incentives). Members have access to NetworkBlue and comprehensive support services to complement their coverage, including personalized care programs and tools important for making informed health care decisions.

BlueSelect

BCBSF launched a new product and network Jan. 1, 2009, called BlueSelect. BCBSF partnered with numerous health care providers across the state to offer BlueSelect, an affordable option with a community-based network. BlueSelect is designed for the working uninsured or those who are at risk of becoming uninsured. Members enjoy lower premiums—up to 20 percent less in some cases than similar plan designs—without sacrificing quality coverage. BlueSelect is tailored for individuals under 65 and small employer groups in Florida, and is a combination Preferred Provider Organization/Exclusive Provider Organization (PPO/EPO) plan. It was introduced in Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, and plans call for expanding within the state this year.

BlueSelect uses a smaller, locally focused network of physicians, hospitals, pharmacies and ancillary providers. Physicians and other providers were selected to participate in the BlueSelect network based on several key factors, including efficiency, range of services and hospital affiliation. It is not an extension of NetworkBlue and BlueOptions but a completely new network and product offering affordable, quality health care coverage.

GoBlue

GoBlue is a guaranteed issue product that provides limited coverage for physician and lab services, as well as access to basic and preventive dental services, at an average cost of $33 per month. BCBSF pays up to $50 per provider per date of service for covered services rendered in a physician’s office, urgent care center, convenient care center and independent clinical lab. Members pay the difference between BCBSF’s payment and the allowed amount, getting the most benefit when they use physicians and providers that participate in NetworkBlue. They are also protected from balance billing when they use BCBSF’s Traditional network. Physicians and providers who participate in NetworkBlue or our Traditional network can bill for no more than the allowed amount for covered services. As with all BCBSF plans, GoBlue offers care support and wellness programs to members, including the BlueComplements^® health-related discount program.

Cover Florida

In January 2009, BCBSF began offering two Cover Florida health plans to individuals under 65. These plans are part of the Governor’s and Florida state legislature’s initiative to provide coverage for Florida’s uninsured. Cover Florida is a portable, guaranteed issue individual PPO product. Anyone wishing to purchase a plan can do so if they meet the minimum requirements, and members can take the plan with them if they change employment. To be eligible for Cover Florida, the individual must be between the ages of 19 and 64, a Florida resident, not eligible for coverage under any other government health care program and be without health insurance for at least six months.

BCBSF plan options include one Cover Florida plan with catastrophic hospital coverage and one without. The non-catastrophic plan is a limited benefit product that costs an average of $50 per month. Similar to GoBlue, the non-catastrophic plan provides coverage for basic and preventive care such as physician office visits, pharmacy, laboratory services and preventive dental services. The catastrophic plan has additional hospital-surgical benefit coverage, as well as a dental benefit, and costs an average of $150 per month.

BCBSF’s Cover Florida members access care from physicians and providers participating in NetworkBlue. Because the NetworkBlue agreement applies, there are no new provider contracts. Members get the best value when receiving services from NetworkBlue providers. They are also protected from balance billing when they use BCBSF’s Traditional network for out-of-network coverage.

FamilyBlue

At a cost of just $19.95 per month, FamilyBlue provides up to six family members access to discounts on a wide variety of health services and products, including medical, pharmacy, vision, dental, hearing, diabetic supplies, vitamins and supplements. In addition, FamilyBlue offers Spanish language capabilities at every touch point for Hispanic consumers. Navigator services are available to help members access the network and get cost and discount information. While emergency care and hospital services are not covered, patient advocacy benefits include negotiating services for hospital bills over $1,500 and help in setting up a favorable payment schedule with hospitals, if necessary.

FamilyBlue is not an insurance product. It is a medical discount card. BCBSF is working with Coverdell & Company, Inc., an experienced medical discount plan organization, to administer the program. FamilyBlue members access care through physicians and other health care providers who participate in the Beech Street Consumer Card Program. These providers offer access to discounted services based on a negotiated network rate. If you do not participate in this network, please encourage FamilyBlue members to call the customer service number on their consumer card to locate a participating provider.