Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota Introduces Options Blue for Small Groups

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota has announced the availability of Options Blue, a consumer-directed health plan for small groups, effective January this year. This move aims to provide small employers with an alternative to traditional group health plans, allowing them to control costs while maintaining employee satisfaction. Options Blue is based on federal regulations for "health reimbursement arrangements," which offer advantages over other account-based health plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Options Blue is a consumer-directed health plan designed for small groups with 2 to 50 employees, offering potential cost savings and employee control.
• The plan is based on federal regulations for "health reimbursement arrangements," providing advantages for certain small-group employers over other account-based health plans.
• Options Blue accounts are "unfunded," with small group employers paying only as claims are received, rather than establishing an account upfront.
• Employers may retain any funds remaining in the balance if an employee leaves the company, offering additional flexibility.
• The Blueprint for Health care support program, offered through Options Blue, assists employees with ongoing conditions or chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
• In its first 12 months, Blueprint for Health care support saved $36 million and resulted in a $500 estimated claims savings per member enrolled.
• Members in the program enjoyed an 11 percent drop in emergency room visits and a 14 percent decrease in hospital admissions.
• Over 95 percent of eligible members participate in the program, with high member satisfaction rates.

Statistics:

• $36 million in claims savings in the first 12 months of the Blueprint for Health care support program.
• $500 estimated claims savings per member enrolled in the program.
• 11 percent drop in emergency room visits among members in the program.
• 14 percent decrease in overall hospital admissions among members in the program.
• 95 percent of eligible members participate in the program.

Sources:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota press release, January 12.
• Joel Swanson, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, +1-651-662-2882, or pager, +1-651-629-3961.
• Karl Oestreich, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, +1-651-662-1502, or pager, +1-651-610-7422.
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, Chicago, IL.