If you're currently enrolled in BlueCross BlueShield's Point of Service health insurance plan, you'll be switching either your plan or your insurance provider in the coming year.

That's because the state has contracted with Cigna for POS coverage in 2006. BlueCross BlueShield will continue to administer the state's Preferred Provider Organization. If you're enrolled in the POS plan, your coverage will automatically switch to Cigna, unless you elect to move to either BlueCross' PPO plan or to a new option for our area, the John Deere Health Maintenance Organization.

If you want to stay in your current program, you don't have to do a thing, although it's crucial that you check the provider directory of your current plan to be sure your physician is still a part of the network. If you're in the POS, and you want to continue that level of coverage, it's especially important to check Cigna's directory. (You'll find a searchable database online at www.cigna.com. Select "provider directory," and use the TN-Nashville [Network, Network-POS, Open Access, Flex] option.)

Regardless of the plan, you'll be paying more in 2006. Health insurance premium increases have been capped at 3 percent for the coming year — an improvement over the past few years. Between 2004 and 2005, for instance, our rates increased 9 percent. Here's a breakdown of monthly health insurance premiums for 2006:

BlueCross BlueShield PPO (800-558-6213)
* Single: $88.68
* Family: $221.40
* Split: $132.72
* Single Split: $88.68

Cigna POS (800-564-7642)
* Single: $70.57
* Family: $176.21
* Split: $105.64
* Single Split: $70.57

John Deere HMO (877-366-0011)
* Single: $65.30
* Family: $163.05
* Split: $97.75
* Single Split: $65.30

(The "split" and "single split" options are available only to couples who are both employed by the state. If the couple has children, one spouse would pay the single split rate, and the other spouse would pay the split rate, which would also cover dependents. When you add the two rates, they equal the family rate. The split options allow both spouses access to life insurance through their individual policies.)

Our "window" to transfer health insurance plans from one group to another — or to sign up for additional coverage, such as dental or supplemental life insurance — closes Nov. 15. Health insurance transfer forms, as well as dental and optional special accident enrollment forms, are available in Human Resource Services and online through the Tennessee Division of Insurance Administration at www.state.tn.us/finance/ins/inspub.html.

Insurance literature is being mailed to your home address. You'll be receiving a comparison of benefits among plans offered by BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna and John Deere, as well as the member handbook and provider directory for the plan you're currently enrolled in (POS enrollees will receive literature from Cigna). If you're interested in transferring to a different plan, you can get a copy of its handbook and directory from Human Resource Services — or you can search them online at www.state.tn.us/finance/ins (click on the "annual transfer" link and follow the links to the various companies).

Please remember that Human Resource Services cannot process transfer and/or enrollment requests after Nov. 15; there will be no exceptions to this deadline. If you have questions about any of the state's health insurance vendors, call the customer service numbers listed in the material sent to you by the company. If you have other questions, call Human Resource Services at 3034.