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Washington – Today the Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) Government-wide Service Benefit Plan, also known as the Federal Employee Program® (FEP®), announced 2018 benefits for federal workers and retirees in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. In 2018, FEP will continue to offer comprehensive benefits—including medical, dental and vision—while adding advanced features that help empower members to achieve better health.
“No matter where federal employees live, work or travel, they can be secure in knowing that Blue Cross and Blue Shield will meet their needs,” said William A. Breskin, senior vice president of government programs for BCBSA. “FEP has long been committed to providing members with comprehensive benefits and the broad choice of doctors and hospitals that the Blue Cross and Blue Shield System affords, at an affordable price. We are excited to add our fepblue app and telehealth benefits because we want to be there for our members, wherever they are.”
Highlights of What’s New for 2018
fepblue Application
FEP members can now manage their healthcare from anywhere by downloading the free fepblue app on Google Play™ or the App Store®. or the App Store. Through the mobile app, members can access their member ID card, stay up to date on deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums and track important doctor visit information.
The app also allows members to call the Nurse Line and to find doctors and urgent care locations near them without having to log in. Future capabilities will allow members to view claims and their Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) notices.
Telehealth Services
FEP continues to lead the market with advanced solutions that help members live better and enjoy greater access to healthcare by taking advantage of FEP telehealth services, provided by Teladoc.®Telehealth services can be used for the treatment of minor acute conditions,
dermatology care, behavioral health and counseling for substance use disorders. This benefit will allow millions of federal employees and retirees around the country anytime, anywhere access to quality health care services through multiple devices—mobile app and web video capabilities, as well as phone. The services will be subject to a copayment based on the member’s FEP plan. Learn more at fepblue.org/telehealth.
Medicare Reimbursement Account
Members who have Medicare
and FEP’s Basic Option can now minimize their out-of-pocket costs with a reimbursement account that can be used to defray Part B premiums. All members on FEP’s Basic Option who are enrolled in Medicare A and B are eligible for the $600 reimbursement account. Members can submit a request for reimbursement any time after they have paid a Medicare Part B premium. Learn more at: fepblue.org/mra.
2018 Approved Rates:
Standard and Basic Options Premiums in 2018
Standard
Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $113.16
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $257.81
Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $271.95
Basic Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $73.72
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $171.84
Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $180.98
FEP BlueVision® Premiums in 2018
High Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $5.67
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $11.33
Self and
Family biweekly premiums will be $17.00
Standard Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $3.95
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $7.90
Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $11.85
The FEP BlueVision® network consists of more than 27,000 ophthalmologists, optometrists and opticians, as well as national and regional retailers. In-network coverage includes: annual eye exams with no co-pays; new glasses or contact lenses every 12 or 24 months; elective allowance for
contact lenses; one-year warranty on frames and lenses; and discounts on laser eye surgery.
FEP BlueDental® Premiums in 2018 (the rates below are for FEP BlueDental’s most populous region, Region 1)
High Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $18.40
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $36.79
Self and Family biweekly premiums will be $55.19
Standard Option:
Self Only biweekly premiums will be $9.91
Self Plus One biweekly premium will be $19.83
Self
and Family biweekly premiums will be $29.74
FEP BlueDental® rates depend upon the rate region in which a member lives. New in 2018, under High Option, there is unlimited annual maximum for all Class A, B and C services, as well as composite (white) fillings covered under both options.
All changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2018. Federal employees, retirees and their families will make their healthcare coverage decisions during Open Season, which runs from Nov. 13 through Dec. 11, 2017.
Additional information about 2018 benefits is available on FEP’s website at www.fepblue.org/whatsnew. Members can also call the National Information Center at 1-800-411-BLUE (2583) for additional benefits information.