For a limited period, Kaiser Permanente is giving small groups that are currently enrolled a chance to downgrade to another plan in January. This is especially helpful for businesses that are interested in switching from one deductible plan to another deductible plan as it will allow members to synchronize their health benefits with the deductible cycle, which is based on a calendar year. Because companies can only move to a less robust plan, the change would also result in a lowered premium.

What is the benefit of synchronizing benefits with the deductible cycle?
Every January, the deductible amount resets to zero no matter what kind of Kaiser Permanente deductible plan you are on. If, for example, you purchased your group health insurance plan in July 2010, expenses you paid towards your deductible between July and December 2010 will be disregarded in January 2011; they will not carryover. If on your regular renewal date of July 2011 you decide to move to a different deductible category, then your deductible will reset again; deductible-based expenses between January and June 2011 will be disregarded and you start accumulating at zero level again.
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Posted: November 24th, 2010 under Deductible Plans.
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