The Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) has announced the additional vendors for the state’s health care coverage for state employees, teachers, school system employees, retirees and dependents during the 2015 Plan Year, which begins on January 1, 2015. Vendors were selected following the Invitation for Proposal (IFP) process, which began in April 2014.
United HealthCare has been selected to offer SHBP members the option of a statewide HMO, a statewide High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) and a statewide Medicare Advantage option for retirees. Kaiser Permanente has been selected to offer SHBP members a fully insured, in-network-only plan in the metro Atlanta service area. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) remains a vendor for 2015 and will offer SHBP members the options one of three traditional Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) options (Gold, Silver or Bronze), statewide Medicare Advantage to retirees, and a statewide HMO option.
The current Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) contract with Express Scripts Inc. and the current Wellness contract with Healthways Inc. will be renewed for the 2015 plan year.
“The Department of Community Health has provided plan members with more new choices to find the health care plan that’s best for their families. We appreciate the cooperation of Blue Cross Blue Shield on contractual issues so that we can expand the number of options available to plan members,” said Governor Nathan Deal.
“We heard and listened to our members and providers concerns regarding the 2014 plan choices. We have worked to provide short-term relief this year. Today we announce the plan will offer more vendor and insurance option choices in the upcoming year. I am confident this enhanced package will benefit our members and plan providers around the state,” said DCH Commissioner Clyde L. Reese III, Esq.
SHBP is currently working to finalize the 2015 plan designs and 2015 premiums. As in previous years, the new plan designs and premiums will be presented to and voted on by the Board of Community Health in August 2014.
SHBP will conduct in-person and online member outreach and education on members’ plan options prior to and during the state’s Open Enrollment and Retiree Change Option Period. As information is developed, SHBP members can expect to receive information from their payroll location and made available online at: www.dch.georgia.gov/shbp.
Open Enrollment will be held October 27 – November 14, 2014, for the January 1, 2015, start date of the new plan year.
About the Georgia Department of Community Health
Through effective planning, purchasing and oversight, the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) provides access to affordable, quality health care to millions of Georgians, including some of the state’s uninsured and most vulnerable populations.
DCH is responsible for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids,® the State Health Benefit Plan, Healthcare Facility Regulation and Health Information Technology in Georgia.
Clyde L. Reese III, Esq., serves as Commissioner for the Georgia Department of Community Health.
To learn more about DCH and its dedication to A Healthy Georgia, visit www.dch.georgia.gov.
