Today, benefit accumulators—including deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and any benefit maximums—reset to $0 (with the exception of lifetime maximums) on January 1 of each calendar year. In order to support current customer needs and match existing competitor capabilities, we now have the ability to administer benefit accumulators based on a non-calendar year benefit period (a flexible period of time in which benefits accumulate for a group).

Large groups (51+) with BlueOptions^® and/or BlueChoice^® plans can now select the non-calendar year (i.e. 6/1/09 –5/31/10) option to align their accumulation period (aka benefit period), with their contract or plan year. All other products (i.e., BlueCare^®, BlueMedicare^SM, etc.) will continue to have benefit accumulators only administered on a calendar year basis and not have the non-calendar year option.

BlueOptions and BlueSelect^® for small groups will become eligible for the non-calendar year benefits period option beginning Aug. 1 with Oct. 1 effective dates.