Are you an applicable large employer, or not? That’s the question!

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What is a Direct Primary Care plan?

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What is a minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan?

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Onboarding Employees with Total Benefit Solutions

This quick and simple video shows you how easy it is to enroll your employees onto your group health insurance and benefits when you are working with Total Benefit Solutions, Inc! Make it easier for you call us today at (215)355-2121

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DOL Penalties Increase for 2021

The Department of Labor (DOL) published the annual adjustments for 2021 that increase certain penalties applicable toemployee benefit plans. Private employers, including non-profits, should ensure employees receive required notices timely (SBC, CHIP, SPD, etc.)to prevent civil penalty assessments. In addition, employers should ensure Form 5500s are properly and timely filed, ifapplicable. Finally, employers facing document requests from EBSA should ensure documents are provided timely, asrequested.

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Review us on Google

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What is my Max Out of Pocket?

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Pennie is Pennsylvania’s new official destination for shopping for quality health insurance plans and accessing financial assistance, if eligible.

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IBC to Reach Agreement with Providers in Our Area!

We are pleased to share that Mercy Health System, St. Mary Medical Center, Saint Francis Healthcare and Independence Blue Cross (Blue Cross) anticipate coming to an agreement on a new, long-term contract this week, meaning there should be no interruption to your care or coverage at the following facilities: Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital Mercy Philadelphia Hospital Nazareth Hospital St. Mary Medical Center Saint Francis Healthcare in Delaware We thank you for your continued support and patience throughout this process, and apologize for any anxiety or inconvenience this negotiation may have caused you or your family – that was never our intention. We look forward to continuing to provide you the care… Read More

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Important News From Independence Blue Cross: Trinity Health termination

February 11th 2019: For the past several months, we have been negotiating the terms of our agreements with Trinity Health (Trinity), which includes the following entities, as well as their professional providers, subsidiaries, affiliates, and divisions: Mercy Health System of Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Mercy Fitzgerald, Mercy Philadelphia, and Nazareth hospitals St. Mary Medical Center, including St. Mary Rehabilitation Hospital, Saint Francis Healthcare, including Saint Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware. We continue to engage in good‑faith negotiations, but we want to explain how customers and members could be affected if we are unable to reach a new agreement by March 31, 2019. How members would be affected If we are unable to reach a new agreement, Trinity will no longer be… Read More

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IBC 2019 Member Renewal Notices

October 25th: Independence Blue Cross Member Renewal Letter details Due to the subsidy disruption in some counties, Independence will be sending renewal notices in 2 waves. On October 25th 2018: • Members who do not receive a subsidy will receive their renewal notices for 2019. The notice will include benefit and premium updates for 2019 and provide a personalized URL for a website that enables them to renew plans as-is (EZ Button), or make a change to their current plan. • Members who have a subsidy will receive a letter advising that Independence is waiting for more information from the federal government regarding their subsidy dollars. Upon receipt of this information, the renewal notices will be sent.… Read More

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Four Stages of Medicare Part D

  It’s easy to see why Many people are confused by the Medicare part D plan coverage deductibles, limits and the donut hole. We have provided this graphic for you, our clients and friends to make it a little easier to see in a pie chart. Click the link below to download this graphic bulletin. 2018 Four Stages Of Medicare Part D   Want to compare part D plans in your area quickly? Click here   Have more questions? Call us today at (215)355-2121.

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IBX Mobile App

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. Learn more: http://bit.ly/ibxmobil     Questions or concerns? Please call your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121.

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IBX Wire – A Powerful New Way to Communicate

IBX Wire – A Powerful New Way to Communicate   IBX Wire™ is IBC’s member messaging service that makes it easier to find support, stay informed, and get things done. It will let you know when you have important account updates, product offers, or health related items that need your attention, and gives you the tools to take action on them quickly and easily. Notifications will be sent via automated text message. Message and data rates may apply. Not required to purchase goods and services from Independence Blue Cross. Text STOP to stop and HELP for help. Terms and conditions at www.myhelpsite.net/ibx. RELAY® is a registered trademark and service mark,… Read More

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Searching for Keystone HMO Proactive Providers by Tier?

Please note you must select the proactive plans from the list. Go to this link:  Choose a health plan:             From the drop down select, Medical then Keystone Proactive:   Now your search will return physicians with Tier listings showing:  

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2018 Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment: PA Independence Individual Consumer Plans and Rates

  Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment 2018! Don’t do it yourself! Our dedicated professionals are here to help you take the fits out of the benefit planning process!  One mistake and you could be stuck with a bad plan all year! We work with all available plans both on the healthcare.gov marketplace and off! Have your own expert help you! Our experts are trained to help you Choose between on and off exchange options Maximize any subsidy eligibility. Help you understand the cost sharing subsidies Help you choose the plan that is the best fit for you Explain the differences between the plan design and your out of pocket expectations Fill… Read More

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IBC: Acclaris to assume HSA custodial responsibilities from Bank of America

Acclaris to assume HSA custodial responsibilities from Bank of America in September 2017 Our spending account platform, Acclaris, received regulatory approval to become a non-bank health savings account (HSA) custodian and is ending its contract with Bank of America at the end of 2017. This includes custodial services Bank of America currently provides for the HSA.  click here for details

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Independence speaks out on PA Premium Tax, Treat No Transport, and recently introduced bills

Independence speaks out on PA Premium Tax, Treat No Transport, and recently introduced bills Updates from IBX Government Affairs including the proposed PA premium tax changes, Treat No Transport reimbursement, scope of practice for nurse practitioners, and proposed bills on drug transparency and prior authorization… Download the Bulletin See IBC’s breakdown of the proposed budget impact here. As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.

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Video: New Premium Saver Gap Coverage

  Want more information? Call your Total Benefit Solutions account manager today at (215)355-2121.

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Compliance Bulletin & Reform Center

Health Care Compliance and Reform Education Center A fundamental change in the way the United States handles health care has arrived. Benefit rules and coverage change faster today than they used to in ten years! Our Compliance and Health Reform Education Center is where we will keep a copy of our health care reform bulletins throughout the year, in an easy  to view format where you can download a brief summary or watch a short informative video. Click here to visit totalbenefitscomply.com Please contact your Total Benefit Solutions account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any further questions.  

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Talking with your doctor about Keystone HMO Proactive

  A Keystone HMO Proactive plan with a tiered network gives you the opportunity to look for the best value when you receive care. Tell your primary care physician (PCP) you have a tiered network plan so you can discuss your health care decisions and work together to make the best choices for you. Download this document for more information. As always please contact your Total Benefit Solutions, Inc, account manager at (215)355-2121 if you have any questions or concerns.

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What is Blue Card PPO and How Does it Work?

A number of clients ask us about Blue Card PPO and how it works. Blue Card PPO is typically attached to our clients policies who are enrolled on an IBC Personal Choice PPO or National Network PPO or a Horizon Blue Cross plan with National Access. You can tell if you have this on your plan if your card has the PPO Traveling Briefcase logo:                     It’s important to note that members who have a Keystone HMO, Amerihealth or Horizon HMO or local EPO do NOT have Blue Card PPO.  How Does the BlueCard Program Work? BlueCard® PPO Medical Plan The BlueCard… Read More

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IBC: Important Information About 2017 Member Renewal Letters

Important Information About 2017 Member Renewal Letters In the coming weeks, members will be receiving renewal letters for their 2017 plans that include updated rate and product information, as required by ACA Guidelines. This letter will show the member’s updated 2017 premium with their 2016 subsidy amount. Because Independence will not obtain updated subsidy amounts until after November 1, we are not able to include the estimated 2017 subsidy amount in the first mailing. This information will be included in the second mailing which will be sent in mid-November. It is anticipated that subsidies, on average, will increase in 2017 for most members. • Updated renewal letters with 2017 subsidy… Read More

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IBC: Plans to remove exclusions for gender reassignment surgery coverage

  In a July Independence Edge article, we shared that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had issued a final rule for the nondiscrimination provision (section 1557) of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). While the nondiscrimination provision itself is not new, the final rule provides expanded clarity on coverage for gender reassignment surgery and related services. In addition, it provides guidance on treating individuals consistent with their gender identity, and not denying or limiting health services usually only available to individuals of one gender. Beginning with renewals on or after January 1, 2017, the exclusion for gender reassignment surgery has been removed from all commercial plans. Members… Read More

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Individual and Family Open Enrollment-2017 Important Updates

As many people know by now there are many big changes with individual and family plans for open enrollment 2017. For anyone who is currently enrolled on one of the following your plan will NOT be renewed for 2017 and you will have to pick a new plan and/or a new insurer: Aetna: all plans cancelling  in PA/NJ/NC/FL  Aetna plans only remain in Delaware in our service area United Healthcare: All ACA plans cancelling. Short term plans are still available Oscar: All plans in NJ cancelling Health Republic: All plans in NJ cancelling Highmark and Capitol Blue Cross: No longer paying broker compensation Geisinger: No longer paying broker compensation Independence Blue… Read More

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