Blue Shield announces 0% quarterly rate increase for their fastest-growing Small Group HSA-eligible high-deductible health plans.

Blue Shield of California Expands Product Portfolio.

Effective January 1, 2009 Blue Shield introduces Shield Spectrum PPO℠ Plan 2000 Value ⁱ, ⁱⁱ the newest and also the lowest-cost plan offered in the small group market. This addition in the PPO Value plan family offers employees a cost-efficient option in today’s economic climate.

Additionally, Blue Shield has added two more plans to the popular Suite Deal medical plan package. Blue Shield offers employees a wider range of benefits in a pre-selected package of nine plans, with reduced participation requirements – this means even more affordable and flexible choices. With the Suite Deal medical plan package, employees can choose from two HMO plans, five PPO plans, and two HSA-eligible PPO plans. Plus, enrollment in all plans is not required.

PlanSelect℠, Blue Shield’s most flexible program, allows employees to choose any combination from 2 to 28 plans, including the new Shield Spectrum PPO Plan 2000 Value.

2009 Highlights - News & Announcements

No Benefit changesⁱⁱⁱ
NEW PLAN! Shield Spectrum PPO Plan 2000 Value medical plan can be sold as a standalone or as part of Suite Deal, PlanSelect, and Dual Choice multiple plan packages.

Suite Deal – Two Newly Added Plans

Shield Spectrum PPO Plan 2000 Value
Shield Spectrum PPO Plan 500 Standard

January 2009 Rates Update

O% quarterly increase on the two-fastest-growing Small Group HSA-eligible HDHP^‡
On average: HMO less than 2%^†
On average: PPO less than 3%^†

Easier underwriting guidelines for the Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plan 4800

Specialty Benefits Update

Ancillary is renamed Specialty Benefits
Expanded dental network
NEW Vision plan information card

ⁱ Underwritten by Blue Shield of California Life & Health Insurance Company

ⁱⁱ Pending regulatory review

ⁱⁱⁱ For more details on benefit changes, refer to the Plan Modifications in your renewal packet.

^‡Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plan 1800/3600 and Shield Spectrum PPO Savings Plan 3000/6000 are underwritten by Blue Shield Life & Health Insurance Company.

^† Note: January 2009 rate actions are average changes for new business. Renewal changes are based upon cumulative rate actions that have occurred during the contract period. Percentages are averages only. The percentage for a specific group may vary. Rate actions quoted are based on rates for January 2009. Average PPO rates exclude HSA-eligible plans.

For more information on Blue Shield, call Claremont at 800-696-4543 or email us at quotes@claremontcompanies.com. To request carrier materials or forms, please send an email to materials@claremontcompanies.com