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Return to Article: OPM to solicit contracts for dental and vision coverage in September

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  To Phil: OPM will contract with the companies that give the biggest campaign bucks to the GOP, which also means the ones that will give the fewest benefits for the highest fees.

  GovExec.com reader Posted August 19, 2005 5:39 AM
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  Dave, Thank you. I didn't know that. It's good to learn things from other employees.

  Phil Posted August 18, 2005 12:28 AM
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  Phil,
  You're correct, BCBS doesn't have dental (or vision) through the federal health care program but you can get a supplement through them which as I stated cost around $75 or more for the family per pay period. My overall point being is that I am sure we will not be offered anything better than what you can obtain right now. (more coverage for less money)

  Dave Posted August 16, 2005 1:21 PM
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  So, there are co-pays.

  Thank you very much.

  GovExec.com reader Posted August 15, 2005 7:30 AM
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  The last time I checked BCBS for federal employees does not cover optical or dental. At least my plan doesn't, as I look into it every year. Since I'm getting married this year, my finacee is worried as her plan does (she's a state employee). Although I have to agree, this isn't notable to hiring the "best and brightest."

  Phil Posted August 15, 2005 2:08 AM
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  Amen, Dental and Vision benefits are a joke. It's better to take the money each pay period and buy a bond. Only people with large families make out on dental. As for vision you can shop around and clip coupons and get the same deals. Escalating health care costs won't stop until we get all the illegals out of this country and stop the lawyers and insurance companies getting and giving out unjust awards in lawsuits.

  RETIRED and KNOW BETTER

  GovExec.com reader Posted August 13, 2005 6:36 PM
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  This is good news if the plans available in my region have affordable premiums. My former private sector employer didn't contribute for employee dental coverage either, so although I'm disappointed the government won't subsidize my dental coverage, I'm still thrilled with having the option electing dental insurance if I want to pay for it.

  GovExec.com reader Posted August 12, 2005 7:26 PM
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  To the last post...There ain't no such thing as CO-PAY when it comes to dental unless it involves routine cleaning, x-ray and exam, anything beyond that is a percentage of covered benefits.

  DDF Posted August 12, 2005 1:50 PM
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  Knowing the negotiating skills of OPM the workers will get something that sounds like; $20.00 a month premium and $25.00 copays. There will be better offers but OPM will choose this one.

  Like the company a few years ago that gave a reasonable price and OPM jacked up the premiums because they can.

  Any time I hear about recruiting the best and the brightest I get scared.

  GovExec.com reader Posted August 12, 2005 7:09 AM
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  With the current state of health care costs and skyrocketing premiums I think it is time for federal employees to be under one medical/dental/vision program. The number of federal employees would surely be a huge bargaining chip and I believe rates would be lower. Have you ever tried to decipher what health care program is the best out of 10 or more programs? Federal employees need to let the Senators and Representatives know this needs changed. Is it faire that with this new program employees will be paying the premiums and the agencies are not covering any share of the cost? NO - just another way that the health care industry gets to increase their bottom line at the expense of the worker. It is obvious that big business directed OPM in what they wanted.

  Ned Bunn Posted August 12, 2005 7:07 AM
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  "The successful implementation of this new benefit will assist in making the health benefit package for federal employees a model for the private sector," the congressmen wrote. It would also "assist the federal government in the recruitment and retention of the best and the brightest federal workforce available."

  I guess when I only have to pay $6.00 per pay period and receive 80% or more coverage for both dental and vision, like my contractor co-worker I sit next to here at Tinker AFB, then and only then will I agree with the laughable statement above.

  You guys in congress are wasting your time and taxpayers money if you cannot provide an excellent benefit at a very reasonable cost. I don't have an extra $75 - $100 per pay period to pay for something I can already get through BC&BS (but can't afford) and still have to pay the majority of the costs.

  "The dental and vision offerings will be voluntary and agencies will not contribute to the plans".

  What's the point then? How pitiful.

  Dave Posted August 11, 2005 11:04 PM
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  It's about time, but I wonder how effective a federal employees plan will be. I use Blue Cross/Blue Shield as my medical insurance. Last year, I spent more out of pocket on a sprained wrist. BCBS wouldn't pay for anything until I reached $500. Since then, I wonder why I continue to have health insurance. My dentist and optician offer health plans which have reduced my costs. It'll be interesting to see who OPM contracts with.

  Phil Posted August 11, 2005 9:57 PM