Rhode Island Introduces Affordable Group Health Plan Apr 09, 2007 As the cost of employer-sponsored group health insurance increases, the number of employers providing this benefit to their employees continues to decrease. Fewer people are offered medical insurance through their job and must obtain personal health insurance, or go without. In October 2005, Governor Donald L. Carcieri of Rhode Island introduced a package of health care legislation designed to improve Rhode Island’s current health care system. As a part of that legislation, the governor introduced a bill which would empower the state Health Insurance Commissioner to work with insurance companies throughout the state in the development of a new, more affordable insurance product for small business owners. Having been signed into law in July 2006, the state Health Insurance Commissioner and several of the state’s leading insurers have worked diligently on the formation of these plans and announced recently that two such plans will be made available to small business owners in the fall of this year. In October 2007, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthcare of New England will begin offering two new affordable health plan designs to small groups throughout Rhode Island. The idea behind the new plan design is to utilize benefits to engage consumers, providers, and insurers to work together to cut costs. Premiums on the newly designed plans offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Rhode Island and UnitedHealthcare of New England are not to exceed 10% of an average person’s annual wages. Therefore, the Blue Cross Blue Shield plans will be offered at $323 per month with the UnitedHealthcare plan being offered at $309 per month. The newly designed and soon-to-be offered health plans are designed to focus on primary care, prevention and wellness. Prospective members will be required to select a primary care physician to oversee and manage their health care needs and must participate in a health risk appraisal. Upon completion of the health risk appraisal, the primary care physician will make recommendations which prospective members must carry out. Members with weight management concerns will be introduced to a weight loss program and must actively pursue a healthy weight goal. Likewise, prospective members who smoke will be required to quit smoking and actively participate in a smoking cessation program. Members’ participation is required to retain the lower premium levels. Under the current plan design, both Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare will offer two plans: Advantage Cost Sharing, offering an annual deductible of $750 and Basic Cost Sharing, offering an annual deductible of $5,000. Both plans will provide for doctor office visits and prescription drug coverage, as well as a host of other covered benefits.