Department of Correction Personnel has received information from the State Health Plan regarding changes for the next health insurance enrollment in September. Please note that the information listed is effective for future enrollment and will not affect your current coverage.

Copayment increases in health maintenance organizations (HMO’s) have been approved. Office visit copayments for next year will be $15. Changes in hospital care include an increased fee of $75 for inpatient admissions. Brand name prescription drugs with no generic available will increase to $15 and brand name drugs with generic available will be $20.

The expectation of continued losses, the adverse selection that results from high premium increases, and the requirement that an HMO offer its coverage in all counties and other factors has resulted in the following HMOs electing not to contract with the State Health Plan after Sept. 30, 2000:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Personal Care Plan

Optimum Choice of the Carolinas

Partners National Health Plans

The Wellness Plan

United Health Care

QualChoice of North Carolina

The following 11 counties which currently have an HMO option will no longer have an HMO option for the next period, Oct. 1, 2000 through Sept. 30, 2001: Anson, Avery, Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Pasquotank , Caswell, Columbus, Onslow, Perquimans, and Wilkes.

It has also been announced that in order to create stability in plan options offered to employees, a self-funded managed care option is being researched. This may allow more counties to have options other than the indemnity plan. A study will be undertaken and a recommendation made to the General Assembly. The final decision on plan options will be made by the General Assembly.

For more information, contact Catherine Garner at (919) 733-4465.