News Release

New Orleans, LA - U.S. Office of Personnel Management Director Kay Coles James addressed more than 600 representatives from the 42 Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans during their 2003 National Conference, Blue Vision, during which she thanked those "taking care of those who take care of America."

"You should be proud of what we have accomplished together," said James. "Be proud that close to 85 percent of the eligible federal workers choose to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program - a testament to its popularity. Be proud that the FEHB program enjoys one of the highest levels of customer satisfaction of any health-care program in the country."

James noted that the FEHB must constantly work at being the best health-care program it can be, and that carriers should expect tough negotiations with OPM. "Our relationship with Blue Cross/Blue Shield and all our carriers is a business relationship, not a regulatory one with mandates. That is important. OPM conducts annual one-on-one negotiations with each plan in the program. The result is an unprecedented range of choices for our employees and retirees. No matter where one lives - from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon - every enrollee can choose from at least a dozen options offered by nationwide fee-for-service/preferred provider organization plans."

Prevention also was stressed as something that will maintain the excellence that the FEHB is known for. "Part of the beauty of the FEHB program is that benefits can adapt readily with the changing medical environment - changes in preventive care guidelines, for example. It is not some government bureaucracy that determines and dictates additions to the benefit package, often a slow and grudging process. And as industry norms change, OPM will continue this approach of recommending - rather than demanding - benefit changes in preventive care and treatment."

In closing, James said: "One of the problems facing the federal government is that health care in this country is becoming more and more expensive. And like every employer who offers health insurance to its workers, the government has struggled with rising premiums in recent years. Your challenge - and mine - is to keep our program affordable and a model. Be creative, think long-term, and help us in our efforts to make the federal population healthier, and the FEHB program will continue to be a source of security for our public servants and inspiration for all Americans."

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OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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