North & South Carolina | Fall | 2009 | Health Plan Analysis
Employers in North Carolina and South Carolina are turning to so-called hybrid plans to help them continue to offer coverage in one of the regions worst hit by job losses. The hybrid plans combine features of first-dollar coverage plans with high-deductible choices so that some services carry copays while others carry coinsurance. Most of the designs have prescription drug coverage. A medical home pilot in North Charleston, S.C., sponsored by BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and involving the Palmetto Primary Care practice, has enrolled some 1,500 diabetic patients. Meanwhile, the medical home model in North Carolina's Medicaid program is hoping to boost adoption of electronic prescribing and better improve data reporting. BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina's HMO has launched a two-tier generic design for commercial groups. North Carolina's huge state and teachers group is implementing a wellness program that will give nonsmokers and those at a healthy weight a better option on plan designs.
