Use 'open enrollment' to control insurance costscontinued from page 1 Open enrollment, the one time all year when MRA health
insurance participants can make changes in coverage and add employees
and dependents, runs through June 13. It’s especially important this year because Blue
Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is again raising rates by double-digit amounts. MRA customer service representatives are prepared to work
with members to identify ways to modify coverage to reduce costs. Most health plan participants will see rate increases
averaging 20 percent; some will climb as much as 40 percent. The new rates
go into effect July 1. “It’s the same terrible news we have heard in
previous years, only worse,” said James P. Hallan, MRA president
and chief operating officer. “With rate increases like these, it is obvious that
Michigan’s health insurance system needs wide-ranging reform. It’s
harming all businesses, especially small- and medium-size retailers. The
debate over the shape of the reform is underway in the legislature, and
MRA continues to advocate a reform proposal that addresses our membership’s
needs, but it won’t come soon enough.” Susan Stroup, MRA customer service manager, said members
can call to explore cost-saving changes in coverage. However, Blue Cross
doesn’t permit members who participate in a grandfathered plan to
make changes in coverage unless they move to a current health plan. Dental rates also are rising, but at a much slower rate.
Dental subscribers will see an average rate increase of 6.5 percent this
year. The May-June period is also open enrollment for MRA’s
self-funded dental insurance program, administered by Delta Dental Plan
of Michigan. A second dental open enrollment period is held in November-December.
Current dental participants can add employees or dependents during these
periods or switch between MRA’s two coverage options. The two dental plans are open to businesses with two or
more people participating. To join any of MRA’s insurance programs, add employees and dependents or adjust coverage during open enrollment, call MRA Customer Service at 800.366.3699 or e-mail MRA's Susan Stroup at sstroup@retailers.com. |