Program combines 3-year rate guarantees and planned benefit changes

PORTLAND, Ore., June 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's employers are looking for ways to weather the perfect storm of rising health care costs and the declining economy. Regence offers a solution with Regence Rate Assure. With three years of predictable rate adjustments and planned benefit changes, Regence Rate Assure provides employers a firm foundation during shifting economic uncertainties.

In these trying times, predictability is critical. Regence believes in providing this stability so that businesses can focus on building the economy. "Employers are often faced with shopping for a new plan to help control costs, which results in unplanned benefit changes," said Mohan Nair, executive vice president and chief marketing executive for Regence. "Regence Rate Assure offers a solution that eliminates the concern and confusion of unexpected rate and benefit changes. Employers can predict their premium rates three years out, while the step approach to benefits and wellness support helps employees transition to taking greater control of their own health care."

Now available for fully insured groups of 51 or more enrolled employees, Regence Rate Assure is a program that combines Regence's self-managed plans - Innova(R), Engage(R), Activate(SM) and/or the newest consumer directed health plan Regence HSA Healthplan 2.0(SM). These plans promote healthy living and offer members more choice. Employers can choose from a selection of eight packages that combine a health plan and the Regence Rate Assure rate guarantee. All of these options gradually move the group to a more consumer-focused benefit structure each year. No matter which package they choose, employers can count on annual rate increases of only six percent for years two and three, and a planned transition to modified benefit packages.

The packages also offer member wellness programs to help employees and their families get more engaged in their health care. These are:

• myRegence.com - free, members-only Web site hosts personal health records, treatment and medication information, consumer tools, videos and discussion boards to engage members and reward healthy behaviors
• CareEnhance(R) - a toll-free, 24/7 health information resource
• Regence Health Coach(SM) - members receive one-on-one help with their wellness goals from highly trained coaches
• Special Beginnings(R) - maternity management program that includes specialized assessments, personalized tools and materials, and 24/7 nurse advice.
• Regence Disease Management - certified disease managers teach members to monitor their condition daily and follow their treatment plan for optimal health

For more information on Regence's self-managed and consumer directed health plans and product features, including Regence Rate Assure, go to www.regence.com.

About Regence

Regence is the largest health insurer in the Northwest/Intermountain Region, offering health, life and dental insurance. Regence serves three million members as Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon, Regence BlueShield (in selected counties in Washington), Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah and Regence BlueShield of Idaho. Each health plan is a not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Regence is committed to improving the health of our members and our communities, and to transforming our health care system. For more information, please visit regence.com.

SOURCE Regence

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