More Kansas Insurers Offering Limited-Benefit Plans For Employer-Sponsored Health Care

Employer health insurance plans with limited or capped benefits and high deductibles -- sometimes called "mini-medical" plans -- are increasingly available to Kansas workers, the Wichita Eagle reports. Three of the largest health insurance companies in the Wichita area -- Preferred Health Systems, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and CIGNA -- have either begun offering such plans this year or plan to offer them in 2007. "Industry experts say demand among employers is prompting [a] new emphasis on trimmed-down health benefits," the Eagle reports. One plan being offered by CIGNA HealthCare next year could save employers or their employees between 25% and 40% compared with traditional group insurance coverage. According to Eric Motter, a product and marketing manager for CIGNA's emerging markets, the plan will allow employers more flexibility in providing benefits to part-time or new employees. Brad Clothier, chief operating officer for PHS, said, "Everyone is looking to provide more affordable health care and services people see as a present-day benefit as well as a long-term gain," adding, "Insurers have got to be able to bring those types of programs to the table so the employer truly sees they've got some promise and hope down the road." BCBS spokesperson Graham Bailey said, "Employers, particularly small businesses, are operating on such a margin ... they can't offer something like health insurance to their employees." Bailey added, "The ability to offer health insurance is a great way to get good employees and keep them. It's important to be able to offer them something" (Atwater, Wichita Eagle, 11/2).

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