Last month, Health Options began filing 2023 individual and small group plan rates. As part of this process, carriers are required to send individual subscribers a letter detailing upcoming rate changes.
Our letter will hit mailboxes this week and based on information from our initial filing, the letter references a rate increase that ranges from 6.4% to 16% depending on the Members’ given plan of coverage. Another round of pricing has been submitted with the goal of reducing the average rate increase. These new plans will be available for purchase beginning November 1, the first day of Open Enrollment. For 2023, nearly all plans include our popular Chronic Illness Support Program (CISP), expanded telehealth services, vision exams for adults and pediatrics, a $5 co-pay on 30-day Tier 1 preferred generic medications on non-HSA plans, and more HMO tiered plans with an expanded tiered network for those looking to save using preferred providers. We are also excited to announce our new Healthy Maine plans that offer a wellness program, unlimited personal health coaching at $0 cost and no deductible, and acupuncture benefits with no deductible. Finally, HSA Plus plans will be available that include an enhanced preventive drug list with no deductible requirement.
The Bureau of Insurance will hold a public forum regarding 2023 individual health plan rates on July 26, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Read more and register at the State of Maine website. For more information about proposed rates, you may also contact Member Services, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at (855) 624-6463.
You are cordially invited to join Health Options' 2021 Annual Member Meeting on Thursday, November 18, from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. via Zoom's online meeting platform.
Use this Health Options' 2021 Annual Member Meeting link to register and get the login details at Eventbrite.
Our 2021 meeting will cover Health Options' year in review, including fiscal updates, grant activity, improvements to plans and procedures, and the 2022 Board of Directors’ election results. We will be joined by two speakers: Tym Rourke, senior director at Third Horizon Strategies and former director at the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, and Leslie Clark, executive director of Portland Recovery Community Center (PRCC).
Tym and Leslie will discuss “The Other Epidemic: Escalating Substance Use Disorders in Maine and Beyond.” As the pandemic continues, it’s more important than ever to devote state, federal, and community-based resources to removing barriers to care and improving substance use treatment. Tym and Leslie will discuss their experiences working to provide greater access to prevention, treatment, and recovery services.
For questions about the meeting, contact Health Options Member Services, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., at (855) 624-6463.
And remember to let your voice be heard! All Health Options Members 18 years and older are eligible to vote in our board of directors’ election. Candidate biographies and voting instructions have already reached you by email or traditional mail. Voting ends November 5, 2021.
