News Bulletins

We received the following message this week from IBC’s EVP and President Commercial Markets Christopher Cashman and wanted to pass it on to our clients: As you know, over the past few weeks we have experienced unprecedented challenges as a result of the work required to enroll more than 170,000 members in our new Affordable Care Act (ACA)-compliant products. This has led to significant delays in several business areas, which we understand have been frustrating for you, your customers, and our members. While other health insurers across the country are facing similar challenges enrolling members with new ACA health plans, we are deeply concerned that we have not met your… Read More

Horizon BCBSNJ Group Administration – 90 Day Maximum Waiting Period Horizon BCBSNJ has issued This Letter to Group Administrators about the waiting period changes. We would like to provide you with additional clarification regarding this ACA change. • Groups with one to 99 employees who have a waiting period that exceeds 90 days per Horizon BCBSNJ’s system have been changed to a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. For example: A March 1 renewing group that has a six month waiting period will have a 90 day waiting period as of January 1, 2014. • Additionally, if a new employee is in the waiting period, as of January 1,… Read More

Published: Thursday, December 26, 2013 ACA 90 Day Waiting Period Limitation Effective January 1, 2014, a group health plan or health insurance issuer offering group health insurance coverage shall not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. Please note the following administrative guidelines per carrier: Aetna Groups in the Small Group Market (applicable in all states – NY, NJ, PA, DE, CT): The carrier will change to a maximum of 60 days at the first renewal on or after January 1, 2014 unless the employer advises the carrier differently. Groups in the Large Group (51+ Employees) Market: The benefit waiting period will change at the first renewal in 2014.… Read More

Communications to new and renewing HSA customers Customers preparing to migrate to the new platform recently received information about IBC’s new integrated Bank of America HSA. For January 1, 2014, effective dates, new IBC customers and customers who have renewed their QHDHP or newly selected one, will receive a packet by December 31 to help them easily manage the transition to the new Bank of America HSA. It includes: a cover letter about account setup and employer contributions an HSA Employer Portal User Access Request Form for small group and mid-market and larger groups to request access to make HSA contributions via ibxpress.com an FAQ with details about transitioning to… Read More