OSU/A&M colleges select BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma for employee health care coverage

Friday, July 27, 2007

To reduce health care costs for employees, the Oklahoma State University/A&M Board of Regents approved the selection of BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma as the new health care provider for OSU and the other A&M institutions on Friday.

The three-year agreement with BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma is effective Jan. 1, 2008, and guarantees premiums will not increase more than 5% in 2009 or 2010.

“We are extremely pleased with this new plan. This change means employees and their families will continue to receive quality coverage for less than most employees currently pay,” said Lou Watkins, chair of the OSU/A&M Board of Regents. “This is an important step as the OSU/A&M campuses look to control health care costs and promote wellness.”

Employees can select from three plans: 1) a PPO similar to the HealthChoice High plan available today, 2) a high deductible plan with a health savings account, and 3) an HMO.

The new plans offer significant savings opportunities. For instance, the premium for family coverage with a PPO plan similar to HealthChoice High will be $130 less monthly. Savings for employee and spouse coverage is more than $90 a month.

In addition to cost savings, BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma was selected based on its outstanding track record in four critical areas: network providers and locations, pharmacy, wellness and disease management, and customer service.

Employees at the OSU/A&M schools will be receiving more information in the fall. Employees do not need to take any action at this time. Enrollment will be held in November.

“We owe a huge thank you to the HealthCare and Wellness Task Force that was formed last fall and tackled the important issues of rising health care costs and wellness,” said OSU interim System CEO and President Marlene Strathe.

John Fernandes, president of OSU Center of Health Sciences in Tulsa, chaired the broad-based task force.