VEHI Announces Health and Dental Rates for FY10

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The Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI) has completed its annual renewal process with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont (BCBS-VT). Beginning July 1, 2009, health insurance premiums will increase 0%.  In other words, premium rates for 2009-10 will be identical to those that went into effect on July 1, 2008.

 

The 2009-10 premium rate non-increase for VEHI health care plans is the lowest for the educational community since 1997-98.  Further, the 0% figure marks the 4th consecutive year and the 6th in the last seven years (2002-2009), that VEHI’s average premium has been less than 10%. This is a significant and unusual accomplishment at both the state and national level.

 

There are several reasons for this good news. First, VEHI’s administrative costs continue to be lower than other self-funded groups that purchase insurance services from BCBS-VT. Also, our 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 our 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, premiums will increase in 2009-10, by 4.5% on average.

 

VEHI has also announced a series of benefit changes, effective either July 1, 2009 or January 1, 2010, which take into account current trends and encourage more efficient use of health care products and services.  For more details see the program announcement dated January 2009 or contact the VSBIT at 223-5040.