Thursday, October 5, 2017

Media Advisory Treasurer Folwell to Host October "Ask Me Anything" Session ​State Health Plan Begins Open Enrollment - Family Premiums Frozen

Raleigh
Oct 5, 2017

10/5/2017

Contact: Frank Lester (919) 814-3811

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2017

Media Advisory Treasurer Folwell to Host October "Ask Me Anything" Session

State Health Plan Begins Open Enrollment - Family Premiums Frozen

(RALEIGH) -- On Tuesday, October 10, 2017, North Carolina State Treasurer Dale R. Folwell, CPA, will hold an “Ask Me Anything” session for members of the media. These monthly calls are an opportunity for reporters across the state to ask anything about the department’s initiatives, including the Retirement Systems Division, State Health Plan, State and Local Government Finance Division, or the Unclaimed Property Fund. 

Since the last call, the State Health Plan Board has announced that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been awarded the State Health Plan’s Third Party Administrator’s contract. 

 

What:               Treasurer Folwell’s October “Ask Me Anything”

When:              Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at 10:00 AM 

How:                1-877-336-1828 Access Code: 8129850

RSVP:              Email: Press@nctreasurer.com 

Following its conclusion, full audio of the session, as well as select video highlights, will be made available on NCTreasurer.com. If you’d like to participate, please RSVP to ensure that time is allotted for your questions.

Audio of previous installments of the Treasurer’s “Ask Me Anything” calls are available here: (August 2017September 2017)

Potential topics for this month’s session include:

1. Treasurer State Health Plan Board Awards 2019 Third Party Administrator Contract to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

Press Conference video available here.

Facts about the State Health Plan/Open Enrollment

The North Carolina State Health Plan (the Plan) is the largest purchaser of healthcare services in the state. The SHP provides coverage for more than 700,000 state employees and retirees as well as teachers, firefighters, police and troopers.

The plan is funded on a pay-go basis by North Carolina taxpayers, through the General Assembly, for the healthcare benefits. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is the Third Party Administer (TPA) for the Plan. The Plan uses BCBSNC’s network to provide services as well as to process claims.

• The Plan is currently engaged in Open Enrollment (September 30 – October 31) for 2018.

• Complexity has been reduced in the enrollment process. Specifically:

     o It used to take about 50 “clicks” to enroll, but now it takes about 10.

     o Members will have two plan options: the 70/30 Plan and 80/20 Plan.

     o You only have to complete the tobacco attestation credit, not the previous 34-question survey.

     o The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) is being eliminated (HRA funds must be used by Dec. 31, 2017). 

• Value has been increased. Specifically:

     o Family premiums have been frozen;

     o Copays and deductibles will not increase; 

• Each plan will have an employee-only premium. After completing tobacco attestation, members will pay:

     o $25 per month employee-only premium for the 70/30 Plan

     o $50 per month employee-only premium for the 80/20 Plan

• A Premium is being assessed for a number of reasons. Among those are:

     o Medical costs are projected to increase 7 percent.

     o Pharmaceutical costs are projected to increase 8.5 percent.

     o The Governor and General Assembly only funded the plans at a 4 percent increase.