BLUE CROSS: New Plan Gives Small Businesses More Choices

      Blue Cross of California introduced a new program for small-business owners that allows employees to choose from "nine medical plans and four dental plans," the Sacramento Bee reports. "Many employers of large businesses often have a broad array of customized health plans from which to choose. We believe our small-business customers should have the same opportunities," said Deborah Lachman, general manager of Blue Cross' small group business division.
      The new "Employee Elect Program" includes four no-deductible PPO plans, three HMO options and two "high-deductible plans for use with a medical savings account." Blue Cross officials said the new program will be offered to all new small-group customers and to existing customers on their sign-up anniversary dates. "Essentially, the Employee Elect Program allows each individual employee to choose the plan best suited to his or her needs," said Lachman. Blue Cross has nearly 4.4 million members in the state and is a subsidiary of Woodland Hills-based WellPoint Health Networks Inc. (Glover, 6/29).