Bremerton-based KPS Health Plans recently announced two new small group medical plans and has expanded its small group products into King County effective Jan. 1.

The new plans, Sound Harbor Small Group plans and The Healthy Investor™ Small Group Medical Savings Account (MSA), are available to businesses with 1-49 employees.

The Sound Harbor plans offer employer groups three high deductible options, and most benefits are paid at 75 percent. There is an enhancement to the basic Sound Harbor plan where the member pays only a $20 co-pay, without meeting their deductible, for their first four office visits, including physician, chiropractic, mental health or acupuncture. After the first four, visits are subject to the member’s deductible and the 75 percent coinsurance.

In addition to the first four visits, members receive one preventive care visit at a $20 co-pay, up to $200 per year, as well as x-ray and laboratory visits paid-in-full up to $200 per year, without meeting their deductible up front. Four pharmacy options are available, including the bare minimum pharmacy discount program, as well as three comprehensive three-tiered pharmacy plan options.

“We wanted to offer small businesses more affordable options,” said KPS President Elizabeth Gilje. “With today’s uncertain economic environment, many small businesses are unable to insure their employees. We believe the Sound Harbor plans are exactly what these companies need to be able to offer their employees good coverage at excellent premium rates.”

The Healthy Investor™ Medical Savings Account (MSA) has been offered by KPS through a partnership with insurance broker Acordia Northwest to selected Associations statewide since late 2001. An MSA is a savings account set up to pay for incurred medical expenses in conjunction with a high-deductible medical plan. In response to a high number of requests from small businesses, KPS has begun offering the MSA plan to groups with 1-49 employees.

“The Healthy Investor™ Small Group MSA is one of our most exciting new options. Employers have been asking for this type of account, and we are happy to be able to finally offer them the choice,” commented Gilje. “The great thing about this plan is that small groups can take the MSA with a dual option, meaning they can select the MSA plan for the owners and officers, and offer a more comprehensive plan with lower deductibles to their employees.”

For more information, visit www.kpshealthplans.com or call 800-628-3753.