Californians who are seeking a health plan that is both affordable and provides coverage for routine services that can help them improve or maintain their health now have another option that could cost as little as $60 per month. Called SmartSense, the plan provides coverage for three physician office visits a year before having to meet a deductible; some preventive and diagnostic services and a choice of prescription drug coverage options. SmartSense offers a variety of deductibles starting at $500 and can provide protection against expensive and unexpected medial bills.
"SmartSense was designed for those consumers who recognize the importance of health coverage, but need flexibility when it comes to cost," said Brian Sassi, president of Blue Cross of California. "The plan offers a variety of deductibles that will help consumers find a premium they can afford."
SmartSense provides consumers coverage for several office visits, which can be used for routine preventive care or sick visits, before the deductible applies. In addition, with a choice between two drug plans and four deductible options, consumers can further customize a benefits package that meets their individual coverage and budgetary needs.
SmartSense, which Blue Cross of California began offering November 15 with a December 1 effective date, is targeted towards Californians who work for companies that don't offer health care coverage, early retirees and others who want a cost effective option.
In addition to SmartSense, Blue Cross of California is expanding its successful suite of Lumenos consumer driven health plans. The plans were developed to provide individual consumers health information, support tools, incentives, and financial accounts that can help them improve and maintain their health while better managing their health care costs.
Sassi says the expansion of the Lumenos CDHP offerings and the availability of SmartSense will be appealing options for many Californians who want more control over their health care choices and reflects the company's on-going commitment to reducing the percentage of Americans who are voluntarily uninsured.
"Our goal is to offer a menu of plans that provide consumers with benefits that address a variety of life stages many will face," said Sassi. "As we move forward, we will continue to focus on providing affordable plans that maintain the high quality and value added benefits consumers have come to expect."
