With Virginia unemployment rates at 5% (according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 annual average) and employees losing their employer-sponsored comprehensive health coverage, we have responded to market shifts by offering lower plan deductibles on our Individual Health Plans to assist consumers that find themselves unemployed and in need of individual policies. Additionally, we have implemented Personal Plan Advisors to help match consumers’ needs with policies that fit their budget.
We will continue to offer four plans, however, there are two new deductible options within two of the plans. These deductibles are much lower than similar traditional plans.Optima Plus and Optima FourSight will now offer $500 and $750 deductibles in addition to the established $1,000 deductible.
“We are confident that the time is right to offer lower deductibles and a more personal approach to helping consumers select individual and family health plans. Since making these changes, Optima has seen a 40% increase in calls from consumers seeking coverage. With these changing economic times we are seeing more than 30% of all of our policies sold now including a medical deductible lower than $1,000. For the first time, consumers are being forced to scrutinize their healthcare spending. Optima wants to help people through the process,” comments John E. DeGruttola, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Optima Health.1
Personal Health Advisors are available for individuals who are shopping for individual health insurance. Advisors work with callers to analyze their individual healthcare spending, discuss plan options, share industry trends, and guide them toward a plan that best suits their current situation. Additionally, callers are offered a free Buyer’s Guide for Individual Health Insurance to help them make an informed decision.
Last year, we began providing Individual Health Plans as part of our commercial, Medicare and Consumer Directed Health Plans.These plans are targeted to individuals that are between jobs, not eligible for their employer’s coverage, just out of school, and an early retiree or unexpectedly unemployed. The plans are designed to fit almost anyone’s needs and budgets.
We offer Optima Equity 80, Optima Equity 100, Optima FourSight and Optima Plus plans. With all the Individual Health Plans, we offer extensive wellness and prevention tools, programs, services and discounts to manage healthcare costs.
For more information, about our expanded Individual Health Plans, call toll-free at 1-866-805-3266 or visit us online at www.optimahealth.com/individual.
1 According to a study from Americas Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), more than 30% of all individual health insurance policies for individuals and 14% for families include a medical deductible lower than $1,000. http://www.ahipresearch.org/pdfs/Individual_Market_Survey_December_2007.pdf