The 2009 WELS VEBA Group Health Care Plan premium rates are now available. You may click this link or the link at the top of the page to find the 2009 premium rates for the plan options available in your area.
Similar to the rates for 2008, the 2009 Health premium rates have been significantly affected by two factors: the transition to a three region rate structure and better-than-projected Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) discounts.
The improved BCBS discounts have allowed the VEBA Commission to implement a 4% across-the-board decrease in rates for 2009. The actual change for each sponsoring organization may vary due to the transition to 3 geographical rate regions. As a result, the actual rate changes for 2009 will range from 0% to (-26%). This means that all WELS VEBA members will experience either no change or a decrease in their premium rates in 2009 for members working in the same zip code as 2008.
Given the significant rate decreases that some areas will see for a second consecutive year, it may be beneficial for eligible WELS workers who are not currently enrolled in WELS VEBA and their sponsoring organizations to compare the 2009 WELS VEBA rates with their other health coverage. It is likely that WELS VEBA rates in many of these areas will now be much more competitive, especially when considered in conjunction with the benefit levels provided by WELS VEBA.
Note that with the 2009 rates, nearly all of the geographic region adjustments are complete. This means that the rates for 2010 will bear the full cost of increasing claims experience and medical trend. As a result, it is very likely that 2009 will be the last year in which a significant portion of WELS VEBA members experience flat or decreasing Health premium rates.
Also note that the WELS Pension Plan 2009 annual premium rate for a full-time worker is $1752.
The four deductible options available in 2008 will remain unchanged for 2009 except for Plan Option 3. The individual deductible amount for the HSA-compliant High Deductible Health Plan Option 3 will increase to $2,300 effective January 1, 2009. The family deductible amount for Plan Option 3 will remain unchanged at $4,000. A chart detailing each deductible option is shown below.
Open Enrollment/Plan Election materials will be mailed to all WELS VEBA members and eligible workers during the second week of October. The deadline to enroll in WELS VEBA or make changes to your current plan will be Monday, December 1, 2008. Additional information will be posted on the Benefit Plans Office website in the coming weeks.
Questions regarding the 2009 WELS VEBA health plan options and rates
may be directed to the Benefit Plans Office by e-mail to bpo@sab.wels.net
or by calling toll-free at 1-800-487-8322.
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