HSA Changes:
The Treasury Department has issued the new guidelines for 2006 on the maximum contribution levels for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) as well as minimum deductibles and out of pocket spending limits for HSA compatible High Deductible Health Plans (HDHP). The following are the 2006 figures as compared to 2005:
|
2005 Single |
2005 Family |
2006 Single |
2006 Family |
Minimum HDHP Deductible |
$1,000 |
$2,000 |
$1,050 |
$2,100 |
Maximum In Network Out of Pocket |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
$5,250 |
$10,500 |
Maximum HSA Account Contribution |
$2,600 |
$5,150 |
$2,700 |
$5,450 |
Aetna : Aetna has introduced a new plan for January effective dates called the MC-32. The plan has a $20 co-pay in network an Rx card of 10/20/35 , $500 deductible for OON benefits with only an 80/20 of $5,000 co-insurance. This plan is priced at only $397.00 in NYC. Please note that Aetna 's rates could change on a monthly basis instead of quarterly. Also note that the participation listed in the official Aetna underwriting guide is 60% after spousal waivers. For a trial period that began in November of 2005 and continues through at least January 2006, there is no participation for NEW BUSINESS to Aetna when you have 5 or more eligibles and at least 2 take the plan. Please note NEW BUSINESS is defined as not having any Aetna medical plan in the past 12 months.
Horizon: Two major changes are taking place with Horizon in 2006 that effect new business and current inforce business. All plans with effective dates of January 1, 2006 and later will have out of network benefits paid at 150% of Medicare (approximately 60 th HIAA / UCR) . All inforce business will be changed to the same 150% of Medicare for OON on April 1, 2006 . Rx cards will all be mandatory generic starting with new business from January 1, 2006 and on renewal starting April 1, 2006 for inforce business.
Guardian / Healthnet: The new Outlook Series plans continue to be very popular both in benefit design and rates. Please remember that the underwriting guidelines are 75% of eligibles after spousal waivers.
Oxford : Continues to be the major force in the community rated market with the most innovative and varied plans to meet your clients needs. Oxford has held the rates for all their Direct and Metro plans from the fourth quarter 2005 to the first quarter 2006. For those clients who would like to combine an HSA with Traditional offerings, Oxford is the leader in both design and ease of use.
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