Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona has released their new rates for existing customers. We are pleased to see that this will be the lowest rate increase Blue Cross has had since 1995.
All members of Blue Cross individual/family products will receive the rate increase. It will go into effect on the annual renewal date of your policy, beginning with October 1st, 2011. For example, if your plan renews on March 15, then you will not receive the rate-up until March 15, 2012.
Why are the increases so low? Blue Cross has pointed to several factors, including:
• “Successful cost control on behalf of customers”
• “Aggressive control of administrative expenses”
• “A temporary dip in utilization levels, resulting in historically low utilization trends”
In addition to the rate increase, Blue Cross has announced other changes to their policies as well. Benefits that will be affected include emergency room benefits, preventive care, durable medical equipment, vision, nutritional counseling and others.
There are also new rules regarding transfer options (which Blue Cross plan you’re allowed to transfer to without going through medical underwriting).
Existing Blue Cross customers will receive a mailing soon with more details.
For more specific information about these new changes and how they might affect you, please give us a call at 1-800-600-9663.
