Health Insurance Daily

Blues Plans Target New Products at Small Groups, Individuals

Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans are using a variety of tactics in an effort to expand coverage for small groups and individuals through new products. The strategies include waiving administrative fees, negotiating lower provider reimbursement and partnering with local chambers of commerce to offer lower-cost products to these groups.

For example, a new product from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas is limited to those who have not had insurance over the past 12 months; Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio are offering the Blue Access Value plan to individuals; and the Oklahoma Blues plan partnered with local chambers of commerce.

"We thought it was important to help lower the amount of uninsured in the market and [at the] income level where they make too much for Medicare but not enough to afford their own insurance," explains Kansas Blues spokesperson Mary Beth Chambers.

Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio have introduced an individual PPO benefit plan called Blue Access Value. Anthem spokesperson Christi Robinson says the plan offers traditional benefits at a more affordable price.

To read this article in its entirety click on Blues Plans.

posted by Mike @ 8:32 AM