Oct 06, 2023
Q1 2024 rates now available
Blue Shield is pleased to announce the Q1 2024 rate book is now available and that the first-quarter 2024 rate action is a statewide average of 3.0%
Medical Updates in 2024
Virtual Blue plans
Providing your clients with more options to receive high-quality health care with Virtual Blue. Blue Shield’s virtual-first plan delivers anytime virtual care, $0 virtual visits, and in-person care when they want it – adding value to every healthcare dollar spent.
New Virtual Blue plans:
Minimal portfolio and plan design changes
Some HMO and PPO plans have been impacted by cost share and/or name changes. See the 'Changes to' documents for details.
Added valuable benefits for your clients:
- Vasectomies are available at no charge in compliance with previously passed SB523 mandate. PPO Savings plans have vasectomies at no charge but only after the deductible is met.
- Travel reimbursement for transplant services for members and a companion (if deemed medically necessary) to undergo their procedure. The reimbursement is subject to certain conditions.
For exact terms and conditions of coverage for all 2024 plan offerings, refer to the Evidence of Coverage and the plan contract. You can compare the benefits of current plan selections with these new plan options by using Blue Shield's Plan Comparison Tool.
A list of small business medical plans that changed names for 2024 can be found here.
Dental & Vision Updates in 2024
Dental plans to be withdrawn
Thirteen DPPO plans and one DINO plan (listed here) are to be withdrawn from the specialty (dental, vision and life) portfolio beginning January 1, 2024, as part of product transformation and portfolio simplification efforts. Prior to the anniversary date, group renewal information will be available and include recommended plans and rates. You can refer to the plan mapping grid and choose any of the other available options.
To learn more about our dental and vision plan offerings for 2024 check out the Q1 Specialty Sales Guide.
Vision plan highlights and updates for 2024
- The 2024 new vision vendor is EyeMed
- EyeMed is taking over the administration of MES Vision benefits for your employees.
- For more than a year, EyeMed and MES have been working together to ensure a smooth transition.
- Vision portfolio changes
- Optometric out-of-network visits now match ophthalmologic cost share.
- Eyeglass frame out-of-network allowance increased.
- Plano (non-prescription sunglasses) new benefit cost share for out-of-network.
- All vision plans include both Standard and Progressive Lenses (no-line bifocals) benefits.
- Contact lens benefit updates
- Electives – reduce out-of-network allowance to match out-of-network frame allowance.
- Non-elective (medically necessary) – same cost share for hard and soft contacts.
Updated 2024 Materials
- Sales Guide | Medical
- Sales Guide | Specialty
- Plans at a Glance
- Plan Cheat Sheet
- Master Group Application
- Express Enrollment Spreadsheet
- Employee Enrollment Form
January, February, and March 2024 renewals
Groups renewing in January 2024 will be available through Shield Renewals on Friday October 13,* while group-level changes can be made with the Small Group Online Renewal (SGOR) beginning Wednesday October 18.* February and March groups will be available on Thursday November 9,* and group-level changes can be made with the SGOR starting Tuesday November 14.*
To review the exact renewal and enrollment dates for Q3, plus enrollment materials and updated rates books, visit the Renewal Center page on Broker Connection.
As a reminder, group renewal information is available as a microsite for each group, and microsites can be accessed through Shield Renewals. No download is required; you can open the site, find the information you need, and send the link or selected components to your clients.
You can also access the medical choice chart. The chart contains information about your clients’ current and new plan rates, options to buy up or buy down, and if Trio or Tandem is available. The choice chart will include the rate differential if you choose to move your client.
* Dates subject to change.
