Kaiser Expands Coverage Options
Kaiser Permanente has introduced several different coverage options, signifying "a major departure from its traditional comprehensive-care coverage," the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Moving beyond its traditional HMO offerings, Kaiser has begun offering:
- High-deductible health plans featuring lower monthly premiums;
- High-deductible health plans in conjunction with health savings accounts; and
- Products -- such as PPOs that allow members to consult non-Kaiser care providers -- targeted at small businesses.
Also in May, Kaiser started marketing Choice Solution, which allows small business employees to choose among seven different types of health plans, including some PPO options.
Dennis Lum, vice president of channel strategy and systems, said, "Our aspiration is not to become a Health Net, a Blue Shield or Blue Cross," adding, "But today, given the more complex marketplace we're in ... we have to find a way to address what we perceive as a very powerful trend."
Kaiser Permanente provides health care coverage to about one-third of insured California residents (Colliver, San Francisco Chronicle, 9/24). This is part of the California Healthline Daily Edition, a summary of health policy coverage from major news organizations. Sign up for an email subscription.