Independence Blue Cross – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

The Benefits of Short-Term Health Insurance

May 5, 2023May 5, 2023Ed MacConnell

Short-term health insurance is a type of health insurance that provides coverage for a limited period of time, typically anywhere from 30 days to 12 months. These plans are designed to provide temporary coverage for individuals who are in between jobs, waiting for employer-sponsored coverage to begin, or who are not eligible for other types of health insurance. Affordable Premiums Short-term health insurance plans typically have lower premiums than traditional health insurance plans. This is because short-term plans are designed to provide coverage for a limited period of time and do not have to meet the same requirements as other types of health insurance. This makes them a more affordable… Read More

Notification Reminder for Forms 1095-C and 1095-B

February 9, 2023February 9, 2023Ed MacConnell

Under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”), the deadline for applicable large employers (“ALEs”) to furnish Form 1095-C and 1095-B to certain individuals (such as full-time employees in the case of Form 1095-C) is January 31 with respect to the preceding calendar year. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) released final regulations on December 12, 2022 with respect to ACA reporting requirements. These final regulations provided an automatic extension of 30 days to furnish these statements to individuals. This means that Wednesday, March 2, 2023 is the deadline to furnish individuals with 2022 Forms 1095-C and 1095-B. This extension is automatic; employers or other reporting entities are not required to file a… Read More

Independence: Additional MLR rebates for 2020 to be issued to some policyholders

February 7, 2023February 6, 2023Ed MacConnell

Starting this week, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) will be issuing an additional medical loss ratio (MLR) rebate to affected customers and subscribers for a portion of their 2020 health insurance premiums. The check mailing will continue until the end of February. The additional rebate is being issued following a clarification on MLR calculation provided by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As a result of the clarification, we looked at prior year calculations and determined an additional amount was due for 2020. Any applicable interest has been included in the amount of each check. Click here for the full story As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions,… Read More

Blue KC: Enhanced ACA Subsidies to Extend Through 2025

November 17, 2022October 20, 2022Cayla Widdop

The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 has provided enhanced ACA premium subsidies for people who purchased a plan through the Marketplace. It did so by removing the income cap, which limited subsidies to households with incomes from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty line. With no income cap, premiums have been limited to just 8.5% of income – for everyone. The Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law on August 16, extends these subsidies for three years for millions of Americans who buy individual coverage under the ACA. This bill will “save millions of people an average of $800 a year on health insurance premiums,” said Chiquita… Read More

Get connected with the IBX Smartphone App

November 2, 2022November 2, 2022Ed MacConnell

Download the free IBX app for your iPhone or Android to help you make the most of your Independence Blue Cross health plan. With new and improved features, the IBX app gives you easy access to your health care coverage 24/7, wherever you are. As always contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance professionals if you have any questions about this bulletin. Click here to read more.

What Are Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights?

October 26, 2022July 25, 2022Cayla Widdop

Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Inc Medicare health insurance specialists today at (215)355-2121 with any questions.

3 Types of Medigap Rating Structure

October 12, 2022August 2, 2022Cayla Widdop

Attained-Aged: Premium based on current age when policy is issued. Premium goes up as you get older AND may go up due to a rate increase. All Medigap Freedom plans are Attained-Aged rated. Issued-Aged: Premium based on the age you are when you buy (are issued) the Medigap policy. Premium DOES NOT go up as you get older AND may go up due to a rate increase. Community: Same premium is charged to everyone who has the Medigap policy, regardless of age. Premium DOES NOT go up as you get older AND may go up due to a rate increase. Call your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc Medicare health insurance specialists… Read More

Blue KC: Members Can Soon Access Rx Savings Solutions and Find Care in One Place

September 29, 2022September 23, 2022Cayla Widdop

In October, Rx Savings Solutions will integrate with the Find Care tool on MyBlueKC.com and the MyBlueKC mobile app. Rx Savings Solutions is a secure, online tool that helps eligible members find ways to save money on prescription drugs. Once integrated, the two tools will allow members to view medical and pharmacy in one place and better use both tools. The integration is one way we’re helping reduce the total cost of care for members, employers, and health plans. Eligible members can follow this path to Rx Savings Solutions: MyBlueKC.com Click Find Care in the left column Click Find Doctors, Specialists & Hospitals Click Medication Finder Have any questions regarding… Read More

Medicare Creditable Coverage Part D notification requirements

September 15, 2022September 15, 2022Ed MacConnell

FROM INDEPENDENCE: Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires plans that offer prescription drug coverage to their Medicare‑eligible employees, retirees, and dependents to notify them by October 15 as to whether that coverage is “creditable” or “non‑creditable.” What customers must do Customers must take the following steps to comply with this requirement: Review the materials provided to determine whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable or non‑creditable. Disclose to their Medicare‑eligible members (employees and their dependents) whether their prescription drug coverage is creditable or non‑creditable prior to the Medicare Part D Annual Election period, running from October 15 through December 7 of this year and at other times during the future.… Read More

Medicare Advantage (MA) Quick Facts

August 30, 2022August 3, 2022Cayla Widdop

What is it? A Medicare Advantage Plan is a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company, such as Independence Blue Cross, that contracts with Medicare to provide all Part A and Part B benefits. If enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare services are covered through the plan and aren’t paid for under Original Medicare. Plan types offered: Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO), for example. Independence offers Keystone 65 HMO as well as Personal Choice 65 PPO. Medical Coverage: If enrolled in a HMO, members must choose a PCP (which also will coordinate referrals) and must stay In-Network. PPO… Read More

Medigap Quick Facts

August 23, 2022August 3, 2022Cayla Widdop

What is it? A Medigap policy (also called “Medicare Supplement Insurance”) is private health insurance that’s designed to supplement Original Medicare. This means it helps pay some of the health care costs (“gaps”) that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Play types offered: Insurance companies can sell only a “standardized” policy identified in most states by letters. Independence Blue Cross offers Plans A, B, F, F-HD, G, G-HD, and N. Medical Coverage: No selection of a PCP is required; members are able to choose any doctor or hospital as long as they accept Original Medicare. This also allows for no referrals and no network. Prescription Drug Coverage:… Read More

Independence Blue Cross and Amerihealth: Behind on your health insurance payments?

August 15, 2022August 15, 2022Ed MacConnell

Please do not assume that your payment is on the way or has been made and that the insurance company will handle it. Our health insurance specialists can assist you with a conference call. Getting reinstated after a cancellation is a long and difficult process and is not always available! If your payments are behind we need to ask for termination suppression BEFORE you are cancelled. First, Please always contact the Billing Department at 215-567-3357 or 1-800-444-6301. When calling, please have your group name, billing account number and address for verification purposes. The Billing Department will not approve an account for termination suppression due to checks mailed, promise to pay… Read More

Independence Blue Cross: Care Cost Estimator

August 2, 2022July 19, 2022Cayla Widdop

Did you know that you can estimate your out-of-pocket costs before you schedule a doctor’s appointment or medical procedure? You can, with the new Care Cost Estimator tool. It also lets you compare providers by price, based on your specific health plan. The Care Cost Estimator tool will display: Provider details Quality information, such as reviews Your estimated out-of-pocket costs for a wide range of common procedures and office visits Click here to learn how to get started with the Care Cost Estimator. As always, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc health insurance specialists with any questions or concerns at (215)355-2121.

What is a Qualifying Life Event or QLE?

July 29, 2022July 14, 2022Ed MacConnell

There are 4 basic types of health insurance qualifying life events. (The following are examples, not a full list.) Loss of health coverage Losing existing health coverage, including job-based, individual, and student plans Losing eligibility for Medicare, Medicaid, or CHIP Turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent’s plan Changes in household Getting married or divorced Having a baby or adopting a child Death in the family Changes in residence Moving to a different ZIP code or county A student moving to or from the place they attend school A seasonal worker moving to or from the place they both live and work Moving to or from a shelter or… Read More

Case Study Library

July 22, 2022July 22, 2022Ed MacConnell

We present a few case studies to illustrate how we have helped our clients solve their complicated employee benefit challenges. Click here to learn more!

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Young Children

July 15, 2022July 1, 2022Cayla Widdop

A recent CDC announcement recommends that children six months through five years of age should get an age-appropriate dose of the Pfizer‑BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. Independence covers the cost of administering vaccines and booster shots with no cost-share (such as co-pays, deductibles, coinsurance) for members regardless of where the vaccine is given. For Medicare Advantage members, the cost and administration of the vaccine and booster shots will be covered by Original Medicare so long as the health care provider administering the vaccine participates in the Medicare program. Please click here to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccines and boosters. As always, please contact your Total Benefit Solutions Inc health… Read More

Health Insurance Broker Change Leads to Better Results

July 7, 2022July 6, 2022Ed MacConnell

Watch Video The Issue A mid-sized group prospect was unhappy with their current broker and looking for a change. They thought more could be done to help control their employee benefit budget and were looking for guidance. They came to us with a 17% health insurance renewal. Our Solution Our team met with the business owner and Human Resource Director to review the following: The corporate goals and philosophy regarding employee benefits The benefit structure and costs of their present programs Options for cost containment strategies How to integrate wellness into their benefits portfolio Methods for better communication of the benefit programs to employees The Result The customer was pleased… Read More

6 Questions to ask your Benefits Broker

June 10, 2022June 10, 2022Ed MacConnell

Notice Requirements for Group Health Plans

May 16, 2022May 13, 2022Ed MacConnell

ERISA requires plan administrators to give plan participants in writing the most important facts they need to know about their group health plans, including plan rules, financial information, and documents on the operation and management of the plan. Some of these facts must be provided to participants regularly and automatically by the plan administrator. Others must be made available upon request, free-of-charge or for copying fees.

Support for your emotional health

May 12, 2022May 11, 2022Ed MacConnell

Virtual care visits from MDLIVE® IBC members pay $0 cost-share* You have access to care from therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists who can help with concerns likeanxiety, depression, and panic disorders. With telebehavioral health from MDLIVE, you pay $0 costshare* for a confidential visit in the comfort of yourhome, or wherever you are. Choose to have your virtual care visit by video chat, using the MDLIVE website or mobile app, or by phone.

Category: Independence Blue Cross

The Benefits of Short-Term Health Insurance

Notification Reminder for Forms 1095-C and 1095-B

Independence: Additional MLR rebates for 2020 to be issued to some policyholders

Blue KC: Enhanced ACA Subsidies to Extend Through 2025

Get connected with the IBX Smartphone App

What Are Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights?

3 Types of Medigap Rating Structure

Blue KC: Members Can Soon Access Rx Savings Solutions and Find Care in One Place

Medicare Creditable Coverage Part D notification requirements

Medicare Advantage (MA) Quick Facts

Medigap Quick Facts

Independence Blue Cross and Amerihealth: Behind on your health insurance payments?

Independence Blue Cross: Care Cost Estimator

What is a Qualifying Life Event or QLE?

Case Study Library

COVID-19 Vaccines Now Available for Young Children

Health Insurance Broker Change Leads to Better Results

6 Questions to ask your Benefits Broker

Notice Requirements for Group Health Plans

Support for your emotional health

Independence is covering OTC COVID‑19 test kits through pharmacy benefits

2021 MLR Rebate Checks Recently Issued to Fully Insured Plans

What Are Medicare Guaranteed Issue Rights?

AmeriHealth New Jersey prepares to comply with new Transparency requirements

2021 Second Quarter Compliance Bulletins Compilation

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