Anthem Blue Cross of California – July 2010 Small Group Rate Action

• EmployeeElect PPO plans will see a new business average increase of 1.4%
• EmployeeElect HMO plans will see a new business average increase of 1.1% 
• EmployeeElect CDHP plans will see a new business average increase of  5.2% 
• EmployeeChoice plans will see an average new business increase of 3.5% 
• BeneFits plans will see an average new business increase of 3.5%

 July – September Renewal Increases  

The July through September renewal increases will vary greatly due to the rating changes Anthem Blue Cross has gone through in the past year. There has been a large variance by product and region, however, the average annual renewal increase for groups renewing during these three months is approximately 10%.

 Ancillary product changes  

Dental:

Small Group dental rates will have no rate increases with the exception of the Indian Tribes who will receive a 5% trend increase affecting approximately 1,000 members.

 Vision:

The Blue View Vision and Vision Plus plans will be receiving either a rate pass or a $1.00 increase depending on the rating tier of each plan.   

 Vision benefit enhancements include: 

• Transition lens coverage for both children and adults. Children under age 19 may purchase transition lenses at no copay and adults may purchase them for a $75 copay
• Factory scratch coating on eyeglass lenses will now be standard coverage
• Tiered pricing for progressive lenses and anti-reflective coatings

 Life:

There will be no Life rate increases.