Projo 7 to 7 News Blog

Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island is offering a possible new health-insurance option for Rhode Islanders who have lost their jobs.

The insurer announced this afternoon that it has eased the eligibility rules for its Direct Pay plans, which cover people who can't get insurance through an employer or government-sponsored organization. In the past, people who were eligible for COBRA could enroll in Direct Pay only if they passed a health evaluation or waited until the annual enrollment period (May 15 to June 15).

Now, people can switch to Direct Pay immediately.

Direct Pay offers several plans, and rates vary according to health status, age, and sex. "This might be a good option for you depending on your circumstances," said Christopher Medici, Blue Cross spokesman.

Additionally, Blue Cross will subsidize Direct Pay premiums for low-income people through its AccessBlue program.

Under COBRA (named after the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), people who lose their jobs can remain enrolled in their former employers' group coverage plan, but must pay the whole premium. Many people could not afford COBRA premiums. For people who lose their jobs between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, the federal stimulus plan will reimburse 65 percent of COBRA cost for nine months. Direct Pay may be an option for people after the federal subsidy runs out.

"For Rhode Islanders out of work because of the recession, [Blue Cross] offers options which may be less than the cost of COBRA coverage," said James E. Purcell, Blue Cross president and CEO. Blue Cross, he said, "remains committed to helping our members access affordable, high-quality health care."

 Tags  health insurance

Leave a comment

Please be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish.

Name:

Email:

URL:  

Remember personal info?

Captcha:

Type the characters you see in the picture above.