From the Desk of Ed Pattarozzi

Spring is upon us so it seems like a great time for me to talk about the new initiatives Dean Health Plan (DHP) will be kicking off this season and into summer. First, I’m excited to share that DHP will be offering high deductible health plans compatible with Health Savings Accounts for employer group clients starting with July 1 renewals and new business. We plan to have these plan designs available for small and large employer groups, in all products. If you have employers that are interested in this option, please review the full article on this later in the newsletter, or speak with your Sales Representative to learn more.

I’m also pleased to announce that we are rolling out plan designs this April that will be available to small and large employers featuring tiered copay structures for urgent care versus emergency care services. In these new plan designs, the office copay will be at the lowest cost sharing level (generally $15-30), will increase proportionately for services provided at selected urgent care sites ($30-60), and will increase at a higher rate for emergency care (standard is typically $125). The intent of the design is to draw the member’s attention to the difference in the cost of these care settings and to encourage them to make the right choice for the right situation. Read on in the newsletter for more information on these new plan designs.

And lastly, I would like to remind you to watch for our spring broker breakfast meeting notice where we will feature some of the new initiatives we are planning as well as provide additional updates to assist you with your renewal and new business opportunities this year. Looking forward to seeing you soon!