Some HMSA premiums to change
By Greg Wiles
Advertiser Staff Writer
The Hawaii Medical Service Association is telling subscribers of its 65C Plus health plans and drug plans that premiums will change next year, with some people getting lower rates, others seeing minimal increases, and still others facing a jump in a drug program costs.
More than 38,000 people subscribe to the 65C plans, which provide coverage beyond what Medicare offers for senior citizens. HMSA said under rates approved by Medicare for 2008:
Under HMSA's 65C drug plan coverage:
Carlene Mayes, HMSA director of Medicare programs administration, said the increase in the latter was needed because of projected use of the program, which doesn't have an annual deductible or coverage gap and pays 100 percent of drug costs.
Kailua resident Bob Grantham said he subscribes to the High Option and Enhanced Drug Coverage plans and that he got a letter saying the combined monthly premium he pays will rise 37 percent next year.
"I just thought this is an extremely high increase for senior citizens," said Grantham, a retiree. He said he could probably afford the increase but that other retirees living on smaller fixed incomes may have problems.
HMSA said people can switch coverages if they want and that there are limited income drug subsidies available from the U.S. government. More information is available at www.socialsecurity.gov or by calling 800-772-1213, HMSA said.
The insurer also said it will be increasing the co-pay for physician visits under 65C Plus to $15 from $10 for members who subscribe to the High Option of the plan.
It said emergency room visit co-pay will go to $50 from $25, and that facilities charges that are sometimes imposed for surgery will rise to $15 from $10.
Correction: A previous version of this story contained incorrect information on the High Option and Enhanced Drug Coverage plan.
Reach Greg Wiles at gwiles@honoluluadvertiser.com.
