CSBJ Daily

Kaiser Permanente Colorado will provide $155 million in health care financial relief during the next two years.

The deal between the state’s Department of Insurance and Kaiser was announced today, and will be in the form of premium credits or enhanced benefits to employers and individual customers of Kaiser Permanente Colorado. Kaiser also agreed that $5 million will be added to its medical financial assistance fund, which benefits low-income residents.

The rest of the money will be applied to individual and employer clients who purchase health care coverage from Kaiser – $77.5 million per year during 2009 and 2010.

Under the agreement, Kaiser’s individual and family plan subscriber will receive a one-time credit of $287. Employers will receive a one time average credit of $287 for each enrolled employee during 2009 and 2010. Employers will have the option to retain the premium credit themselves, pass it along to their employees, or enhance benefits

Kaiser will also maintain the state’s reserve by increasing investments held in its accounts and reducing he balance held by its California affiliate.