TGIF

OPM recently solicited applications for FEDVIP carrier status beginning in 2014. OPM announced the successful applicants today.

Last year, OPM offered seven contracts for dental and three for vision.

This year, OPM will award ten contracts for dental plans to: Aetna, MetLife, United Concordia, GEHA, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Delta Dental, Triple S, Dominion Dental, Humana, and Emblem Health

OPM will award four contracts for vision plans to: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, VSP, and United Healthcare

FierceHealthPayer reports that United Healthcare is "creating new retail partnerships to make it easier for the consumer to access all aspects of the insurance industry."  UHC is teaming up with retailers to promote wellness and it's creating its own stores, including "pop-up" style stores in connection with Medicare and other Open Seasons.

In good news, USA Today reports that the Centers for Disease Control has found "a striking decline in the prevalence of the human papillomavirus" since vaccination begain in 2006. This virus which is sexually transmitted can cause genital warts, cervical cancer, and throat cancer. The CDC recommends that all girls get the vaccine at age 11 or 12 and of course FEHB plans cover that vaccination with no member cost sharing.