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Kaiser to add birth‑doula coverage and expand nonemergency transport; IRS raises CDHP deductible floor
Summary
Kaiser proposed adding a birth doula benefit (network doulas, limited dollar cap in some plans), expanding $0‑copay nonemergency post‑discharge transportation subject to prior authorization, and mail‑order changes; staff said IRS adjusted CDHP deductible minimums upward for 2027.
Kaiser Foundation Health Plans and agency staff presented multiple benefit changes that will affect members in Kaiser service areas and the uniform medical plan.
Beth Heston, PEB procurement manager, outlined an IRS update and several Kaiser proposals. She said the IRS raised the CDHP floor for 2027: "the IRS has increased that minimum deductible for single subscribers by $50 and for families by $100," moving the single floor from $1,700 to $1,750 and family from $3,400 to $3,500. Heston said Kaiser Northwest and Kaiser Washington follow the UMP CDHP guidance and will reflect the new deductible floors.
Kaiser proposals include a birth doula benefit: Kaiser Northwest will offer network doulas beginning 01/01/2027 with one doula‑attended labor and four visits total; Kaiser Washington proposed a similar benefit but noted constrained network capacity and a $1,000 per‑case limit. Both Kaiser plans proposed expanding nonemergency medical transportation coverage (wheelchair/gurney vans) with a $0 copay for specific post‑discharge destinations, subject to prior authorization; Heston said that for the CDHP product the transportation benefit would remain subject to the deductible.
Staff also described other Kaiser book‑of‑business changes such as removing a post‑mastectomy bra limit and moving certain urine‑drug‑screening benefits back to standard cost sharing. The board will see draft premium and resolution language at the July meeting.
