IMPROVED BENEFITS, LOW RATE INCREASES HIGHLIGHT
1994 FEHBP OPEN SEASON

Washington, D.C.--An average overall premium increase of only three percent and improved benefits for the 1994 Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), were today announced by OPM Director Jim King. In addition, over 40 percent of employees and annuitants will see decreases from 1993 premiums.

"This is the forth consecutive year that employees and annuitants can look forward to better benefits and low rate increases in their health insurance," said Jim King. "Our enrollees continue to gain from the competition and managed care that form the backbone of the program."

Many enrollees will also benefit from new or improved preventive care services for them and their families such as:

• Physical exams;
• Cancer screening;
• Pregnancy Risk Management Programs;
• Group B streptococcus infection screening of pregnant women;
• Well child care (visits, tests including screening for sickle-cell anemia, immunizations);
• Blood lead level screening for children.

Many plans have improved mental health and substance abuse benefits as well as benefits for the diagnosis and treatment of the causes of infertility. And OPM continues to encourage plans to provide and expand their preferred provider networks for increased savings and convenience to enrollees.

Most enrolles will also see improvements in the processing of their claims, particularly when they purchase prescription drugs. Using preferred drug networks will offer the advantage of electronic filing of claims for prescription drugs at the time of purchase, Enrollees will only have to pay for that portion of the drug cost not covered by the plan.

More than 300 plans will participate in the 1994 FEHBP open season which runs November 8 through December 13, Premiums for non-postal enrollees follow. Postal premiums are available on request.

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Web page created 2 December 1997