The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has reached an agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to change the design of the 2009 Standard Option planned surgical out-of-network benefit. The change is in response to OPM's request to all FEHB plans to revise out-of-network surgical benefits to assist members in avoiding unexpected high out-of-pocket costs for surgeries performed by Non-participating providers. As a trusted health benefits partner, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association has worked with OPM to revise the 2009 benefit for Standard Option.

As a result of these efforts, our Standard Option members will have an enhanced benefit consistent with other out-of-network services in 2009. We would also like to recognize our appreciation for our members' patience throughout this process.

This resolution is designed to provide members with information regarding potential out-of-pocket costs associated with out-of-network providers -- prior to services being provided. This will help our members reach a more informed decision regarding out-of-network providers. The benefit will have a 30% co-insurance consistent with other out-of-network services. We will also provide services to help members know how much out-of-network planned surgeries will cost before the surgery is performed. More detailed information will be mailed to members and available online soon.

This benefit change does not affect members who have emergency services or accidents. The benefits that apply in those situations are consistent with the 2008 benefit design, and were not part of this issue.