NMRHCA MEMBERS WILL NOT BE IMPACTED BY BCBS RATE INCREASES

Recent media reports indicate that Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of New Mexico will be increasing premiums on its individual plans by an average of about 25%.  The NM Retiree Health Care Authority (NMRHCA) and our members will not be impacted by these increases.

NMRHCA pays for its coverage on a group basis and therefore, is not impacted by these increases to BCBS's individual plans.  It is, however; a reflection of the continuing increase in health care costs which affects us all.

The premiums you pay for coverage through NMRHCA are set to reflect the actual health care costs of our members.  Your premiums are, therefore, a direct indicator of our health as a group.  Please make sure you are taking an active role in maintaing your health by paying attention to your diet, exercising, and communicating with your doctor about receiving necessary medical screenings and immunizations.  Remember -- we are all in this together and the healthier we all are, the lower all of our premiums will be.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING EXPRESS SCRIPTS

The New Mexico Retiree Health Care Board of Directors met Tuesday, March 2nd.  The Board took action to select the pharmaceutical benefit carrier for the next four (4) years.  State regulations mandate that contracts with state agencies must be re-bid every four (4) years.  The Retiree Health Care Authority's contract with Express Scripts expires on June 30th of this year.  After seeking proposals from pharmaceutical drug companies, the new contract was awarded to Medco, a very large national company that supplies pharmaceutical drugs to millions in the United States and other countries.  Their contract goes into effect on July 1st of this year.  This firm was selected by the staffs of the other three public health care agencies, the Public School Insurance Authority, Albuquerque Public Schools, and the State Risk Management.  They will recommend Medco to their boards or decision making hierarchy for official action.  Retirees can expect more specific information regarding this change before July 1st.  The change should not be troublesome to retirees.

The Retiree Health Care Authority will hold its Annual Board Retreat and Meeting in July.  At present, Taos seems to be the sight of this meeting.  Dates and times will be shared with retirees when finalized.