UTAH NETCARE- EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2010 

Utah NetCare Alternative Coverage

• Notice sent to new and renewing groups beginning March 1, 2010

UTAH MANDATED CHANGES – HB 188
JANUARY 1, 2010 

Mandated Changes for Group Insurance
As a result of Utah House Bill 188, state law now requires insurers to offer alternative health insurance coverage, called Utah NetCare Plans, as

1. low cost options for groups and individuals,
2. an alternative choice to COBRA and mini-COBRA and
3. a replacement to existing conversion coverage requirements for group members who have exhausted their COBRA/mini-COBRA rights.   

The NetCare Plans offered by Regence are actuarially equivalent to the mandated NetCare design required by HB 188. Information regarding these changes will be sent to your clients the first week in December. 

• NetCare Talking Points and FAQ (PDF)

NetCare as an alternative to COBRA and mini-COBRA
A COBRA/mini-COBRA eligible member has the choice of COBRA/mini-COBRA or either a High Deductible NetCare Continuation option or a Low Deductible NetCare Continuation option.  If the member chooses a NetCare option, mini-COBRA guidelines will supersede COBRA guidelines (regardless of group size).  The member will only be allowed a maximum of 12 months coverage with no additional opportunities for extension based on other qualifying events.

Because these alternative NetCare plans are available January 1, 2010, regardless of when the group renews, NetCare choices have been developed for those on our current BlueChoices plans as well as for a member on one of our Innova/Engage/HSA plans.  Quoting for these options will be available December 4, 2009. 

Your fully-insured clients will be receiving all applicable documents attached below:

• NetCare Continuation and NetCare Conversion Alternative Coverage Grid (PDF)
• BlueChoices Benefit Summary, high and low deductible options (ValueCare network) (PDF)
• Innova Benefit Summary, high and low deductible options (PDF)

NetCare Conversion
This product replaces the existing Conversion option.  It will be made available beginning January 1, 2010 when a member’s COBRA or mini-COBRA benefits have been exhausted.  The benefit is similar to the current Individual BlueAdvantage Coinsurance plan, but with a $3,000/$6,000 deductible and $5,000/$10,000 out-of-pocket maximum.  The accidental death benefit is not included. Maternity benefits are subject to $5,000 copayment.  Members can obtain the highest benefits by using the ValueCare network. 

• Benefit Summary for NetCare Conversion (PDF)
  

Your clients (employer groups) will receive the following Employer Notification and Employer Group Notification Responsibilities in addition to the documents above. 

• NetCare Employer Notification (PDF)
• NetCare Employer Responsibility (PDF)                                

Please contact your sales representative with any further questions. 

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