Board Could Approve Adjustments for State Health Benefit Plan
Georgia Department of Community Health board members could adjust the state health benefit plan during a teleconference scheduled for Monday morning. The plan is the sole topic listed for the phone meeting.
If the board amends the new plan, which began Jan. 1, it would come after teachers and other state employees complained. One of the concerns expressed by state employees is that Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia is the sole provider. That was the subject of a state Senate debate Friday.
Senate Minority Whip Vincent Fort introduced a bill requiring the state health benefit plan to have at least two providers. Fort said it was in response to recent concerns expressed by teachers and other state employees.
“We see deductibles going up two and three times what it was previously under the former plan, high deductibles and less choice.”
This was how Republican Senator Charlie Bethel responded.
“It is a myth at best, possibly an illusion to say that using multiple administrators for a single plan constitutes choice of insurance.”
But Bethel is hopeful the State Community Health Board will make mid-year adjustments to the current plan.
Several other Republican Senators like Fran Millar argued the costly premiums are due to the Affordable Care Act.
“This is just the beginning of rising costs, and I want you to watch what happens in the course of the next year. Welcome to Obama Care.”
But Democratic Senator Nan Orrock fired back.
“I’ve never seen such a classic case of changing the subject.”
After the debate was over, Bethel told WABE the state is locked into a one year contract with Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, he says the state board could take steps to address complaints with the current plan.
“I do think that what you will likely see them discuss are things related to the fee structure, the payment structure I should say, for plan participants.”
Concerns about the plan have also been raised by UnitedHealthcare, one of the previous administrators for the state’s plan. The healthcare company filed a lawsuit against the state claiming the bidding process was “rigged.” Last August, a Fulton County Superior Court judge turned down UnitedHealthcare’s request to block the new contract.
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