CommCare open enrollment May 25 - June 25, 2009

Commonwealth Care members who live in areas where more than one health plan is offered may change their plans for any reason between May 25 and June 25, 2009. Members who elect a different plan during this open enrollment period will be enrolled in their new plan as of July 1.

The Connector has published new premiums for Commonwealth Care plans that will also take effect July 1. The chart of 2009 premiums (PDF) is organized by plan and geographical service area, and includes comparisons to 2008 premiums.

A few things to note:

• A fifth plan—CeltiCare—has been added this year. Beginning July 1, it will serve the areas of Lawrence, Boston, Quincy, Brockton, Fall River, New Bedford, Barnstable, Falmouth, and Orleans.
• Most premiums are lower than last year’s premiums, but some have increased. Members may want to evaluate whether switching to a lower cost plan makes sense.
• Some members in Plan Type II (between 100.1% to 150% FPL) who had $0 premiums last year will have monthly premiums of $1.85 to $8.11 this year. Members whose plans now charge premiums may switch to a different plan with a $0 premium.
• If members want to stay in their current plan after July 1, they don’t need to do anything. But whether they switch plans or not, changes to premiums will still take effect July 1.

To see what information your clients are receiving by mail, download this sample open enrollment notice to members (PDF).

Members can change plans by calling the Connector at 1-877-MA-ENROLL (1-877-623-6765) or TTY (1-877-623-7773) or by logging in to their Commonwealth Care account on the Commonwealth Connector website.