VSBIT
CORNER:
VEHI
Health and Dental Insurance Rates for 2008-09
by Joe Zimmerman, Vermont School Board Insurance Trust Director
During the
first week of January, the Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI) announced
health and dental insurance rates for 2008-09. Beginning July 1, 2008,
health plan premiums will increase by an average of 5%. (The actual increase may vary somewhat,
depending on the insurance plan selected and additional riders.)
The 2008-09
premium increase for VEHI health care plans is the lowest for the
educational community since 1998-99. Further,
the 5% figure marks the 3rd consecutive year, and the 5th
in the last seven (2002-09), that VEHI’s average premium increase has been less
than 10%, a noteworthy accomplishment given skyrocketing insurance rates at the
state and national level.
VEHI’s
administrative costs continue to be lower than other self-funded groups that
purchase insurance services from BCBS-VT.
VEHI’s efforts to contain costs at all levels of operation—from
administration and plan design to advanced wellness and chronic care management
programs—helps explain why VEHI plans are less expensive than comparable plans
offered by BCBS-VT to other community-rated associations.
With respect
to VEHI-Delta’s dental care plans, there will be no premium change
for these plans in 2008-09.
Additionally, beginning on July 1, 2008, VEHI-Delta will provide enhanced
dental benefits to subscribers, which will include the following
services: (1) Four cleanings and/or periodontal cleanings in any consecutive
12-month period; (2) An additional fluoride treatment (for a total of two)
during any consecutive 12-month period for children to the age of 19; (3)
Sealant benefits extended to children to age 19, with replacements every 3
years; (4) Coverage for dental implants under Coverage C, including surgical
placement of an endosteal implant body and healing
cap. VEHI/Delta is taking this action
because there is a growing consensus in the medical field that prevention of
periodontal disease reduces the incidence of diabetes, heart disease and low
birth weights. In other words, high-quality, preventive dental services
contribute to keeping adults and children healthier overall, which helps to
reduce health care and insurance costs.