PATRICK ADMINISTRATION ACTS TO ENSURE EMPLOYERS PAY THEIR SHARE

Blue Cross Blue Shield has rescinded its recent decision to lower its minimum employer contribution rate requirement to 33%. Until recently, BCBS and all insurers in the state required employers who offer group coverage to their employees to pay at least 50% of the premium. On July 1st, it was widely reported that BCBS, the largest insurer in the state, started allowing small employers to pay just 33% of the premium.

This was alarming to many who worried that requiring employees to pay more would make the plans unaffordable. The Governor stepped in and asked them to rethink their decision. As a result, the higher contribution requirements have been restored.

-Adapted from: A Healthy Blog- posted 7/13/07 at http://blog.hcfama.org/?p=1094.

07/07