Oct. 10, 2003 – The government's updated medical and dental health insurance plans went into effect on Oct. 1, the Health Insurance Board announced on Wednesday.
The plans were approved by the Legislature despite strong objections on Sept. 29, when they were received at the start of the day's special session with only hours for the senators to study them. (See "Senate approves insurance plan amid protests".)
In a release, the board said that the renewed medical and dental plans now in effect with CIGNA Healthcare and Metropolitan Life incorporate these changes:
– Under the medical pharmaceutical plan, the co-pay for mail-order drugs is doubled. It was previously $7 for generic and $15 for brand-name drugs. Under the new plan, a 90-day supply will cost $14 for generic and $30 for brand-name drugs. The co-pay for each prescription filled at a retail pharmacy remains at the old rate, the release stated.
– The use of generic drugs is mandated, unless a brand-name drug is deemed medically necessary.
– The former $25 deductible on preventive/diagnostic dental services has been eliminated; the new plan has no deductible. The overall annual maximum of the plan has increased to $1,250 from $1,000. The reimbursement fee schedule for preventive/diagnostic dental services has been increased, and the schedule has been updated in accordance with the American Dental Association and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.
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