Independence Blue Cross – Page 6 – Total Benefit Solutions Inc

IBC: Individual customers will receive a communication to prepare for open enrollment this week

October 22, 2014October 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

From Independence Blue Cross & Amerihealth: Individual customers will receive a communication to prepare for open enrollment this week Independence Blue Cross (Independence) will be sending letters to individual customers to remind them about 2015 Open Enrollment dates, inform them how they can prepare now, and let them know we will send additional details in the coming weeks. Each letter will include a list of upcoming health insurance meetings they can attend, along with a card that will make it easier for them to keep track of their enrollment information. These letters will include the agent’s name and phone number, and encourage individuals to contact their agent with questions.… Read More

Independence Blue Cross launches new private exchange for mid- and large-sized employers

October 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross launches new private exchange for mid- and large-sized employers Multiple plan options offer flexibility, comprehensive coverage, and a personalized experience Philadelphia, PA – September 15, 2014 – Today, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) announces the introduction of a new private exchange marketplace that will offer medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision to employers with more than 100 employees. Employers can begin to use the Independence private exchange on October 1, 2014 with coverage effective on or after January 1, 2015. Click here to read the release

IBC: New Cost Care Estimator

September 25, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (Independence) is excited to announce the addition of the Care Cost Estimator (CCE) to our consumer transparency tools. The new online CCE tool will help educate members about covered services, treatment options, and anticipated out-of-pocket costs as they apply to their specific health plan. The CCE tool is available at www.ibxpress.com beginning on September 12, 2014, for PPO members who have migrated to our new operating platform. For customers who have not yet migrated, the CCE tool will become available to PPO members on your renewal date, in conjunction with the migration. To access the CCE tool, members must log in to their account at www.ibxpress.com, where they… Read More

Heath Reform: 5 States Will Have Early Access to Online Functions of the Federally-Facilitated SHOP Marketplace

September 19, 2014September 15, 2014Ed MacConnell

‘SHOP Early Access’ Available in Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, and Missouri Starting in late October, small employers, agents, and brokers in Delaware, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, and Missouri will be able to experience some of the key new online functions of the federally-facilitated Small Business Health Options Program (FF-SHOP), according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The online SHOP Marketplace is expected to be available nationwide on November 15, 2014. SHOP Early Access During the “SHOP Early Access,” small employers in the five selected states will be able to use HealthCare.gov to take several initial steps in the enrollment process, including: Establishing a Marketplace SHOP account; Assigning an agent or… Read More

What is Small Group Defined Contribution-Private Exchange Solution?

September 12, 2014Ed MacConnell

What is Small Group Defined Contribution-Private Exchange Solution? With health care reform now being implemented, many employers large and small will consider this arrangement to offer their employees a quality, flexible, easy to use and competitive benefit package. Simply, the employer decides what dollar amount they will provide to each employee. The employee then uses that dollar amount as a “voucher” of sorts. With the voucher or credit in hand, each employee can choose a plan that best suits their needs from a menu of health plans. In the past, small group employers had to juggle the challenge of affordability and providing a quality benefit that worked for their entire… Read More

Dental Plans: United Concordia Will Now Offer one of the Country’s Largest Networks

September 10, 2014September 10, 2014Ed MacConnell

United Concordia Will Now Offer one of the Country’s Largest Dental Networks United Concordia, Dental Network of America®, LLC and DenteMax®, LLC have entered into a network sharing agreement to provide greater access and deeper discounts to our members and clients. This agreement will take effect for United Concordia for 2015 business. Click here to read more…

IBC: Important notice about pharmacy changes

June 30, 2014May 4, 2015Ed MacConnell

A number of clients have asked us about network pharmacy changes from IBC because they have been having issues filling prescriptions. We asked for clarification and we were able to find out that the changes only affect members who are on the following: On the Proactive Suite of plans On the Silver Suite of plans On the Bronze Suite of plans. We were directed to this link which was provided to providers. You may also find this link helpful. Simply if you are on one of the plans, or enroll on one, Rite Aid and Walgreens pharmacies are not in the network of participating pharmacies. As always please feel free… Read More

What is Critical Illness Insurance?

June 30, 2014February 8, 2015Ed MacConnell

Why Critical Illness as a “wrap” plan Because: They’re more affordable than you might think. They’re available for employer groups, individuals and seniors. They make selecting a health plan easier. They provide peace of mind against a catastrophic event and large out of pocket expenses. They’re person and portable, it doesn’t matter where you get your health insurance from, having your own critical illness plan makes it better. Many clients have asked how they can supplement their employees coverage when they get enrolled through the affordable care act healthcare.gov marketplace. Employers are permitted to offer wrap plans that consist of “excepted benefits”, meaning they are not regulated by the affordable… Read More

Misleading information being communicated about member cost-sharing with Quest Diagnostics

June 27, 2014June 27, 2014Ed MacConnell

IBC has become aware that potentially misleading information about member cost-sharing (e.g., copayment, coinsurance, deductible) is being distributed on documents that display the Quest Diagnostics name and logo. The information indicates that members can continue using Quest Diagnostics after July 1 without additional member financial impact or cost-sharing. Please be assured that Quest Diagnostics will be an out-of-network provider effective July 1, 2014. For more information click here. Related: Changes to IBC lab network click here

IBC has selected Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp) as sole national provider of outpatient laboratory services…

June 17, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has selected Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp) as sole national provider of outpatient laboratory services. As the July 1, 2014 effective date approaches, we’d like to give you an update on how the change is being implemented. LabCorp continues to open new locations in the area IBC is pleased to share that 29 new LabCorp Patient Service Centers have opened as of June 16. An additional 18 sites are planned to open by June 30, and several more this summer, to provide even more access for IBC membership. You can find a complete list of LabCorp Patient Service Centers by visiting www.LabCorp.com and selecting Find… Read More

Clarification on IBC Pharmacy Changes

June 1, 2014June 27, 2014Ed MacConnell

A number of clients have asked about changes to the IBC pharmacy network. Based on these questions we have found out that indeed there are a few. The changes are related specifically to Walgreens and Rite Aid. The changes only affect the following customers: Clients who have chosen one of the Bronze plans Clients who have enrolled on one of the proactive suite of plans. Rite Aid and Walgreens are not in network for these customers. We asked IBC for further clarification and we received this from a previous press release: Starting in 2014, IBC will introduce a new pharmacy network called the FutureScripts Preferred Pharmacy Network. This network is… Read More

IBC: Individual Dental and Vision PPO’s Now Available!

April 29, 2014April 29, 2014Ed MacConnell

Please be advised that Independence Blue Cross (IBC) is offering a new portfolio of Dental and Vision Care plans for adults (aged 19 and older) featuring low out-of-pocket costs and access to a large network of providers. These plans will be available for sale online, by phone, and by mail beginning on April 30, 2014, for June 1 effective dates. Offering individual customers Specialty Services products like Adult Dental and Vision Care emphasizes customer choice and helps give members the protection they need by protecting one of their most valuable assets — wellness. 15% discount on Bundled Dental and Vision IBC offers two Dental PPO plans and two Vision Care… Read More

IBC: Special Care program ending

April 24, 2014Ed MacConnell

As you may already know, the Independence Blue Cross Special Care SM* health care plan will terminate on June 30, 2014. Because the Special Care plan is ending, the individuals who are currently enrolled in this plan will be eligible for a special enrollment period to sign up for a plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Special Care members qualify for a special enrollment period All Special Care members will be eligible for a special enrollment period , which will allow them to enroll in an individual or family health plan. Members will have from May 1 to August 29, 2014 to enroll in a health plan… Read More

IBC: Specialty Services Bundling Programs now available

April 17, 2014April 17, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has announced their Specialty Services Bundling Program is now available for fully-insured customers with 51-500 eligible employees or enrolled contracts and for large self-funded customers. For fully-insured Pennsylvania companies with 51-500 Eligibles or Enrolled Contracts: Adding bundles to medical benefit saves customers money The Specialty Services Bundling Program provides competitive product offerings and helps improve the customer experience by giving cost incentives to customers for adding dental, vision, pharmacy, and employer-paid products to their basic medical coverage plans. By promoting products beyond what is requested, customers become aware of how they can save money on IBC offerings and save the time by shopping with IBC… Read More

SHOP for Small Group Customers Buying a plan through SHOP versus direct

April 15, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

SHOP for Small Group Customers Buying a plan through SHOP versus direct Buying plans through the Small Business Health Options Program, or SHOP, provides an advantage only for employers with fewer than 25 employees that are eligible for a tax credit provided by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If customers are not eligible for this tax credit, there is no advantage to purchasing a plan through SHOP. This is because… Click here to download the SHOP bulletin

IBC and DaVita HealthCare Partners Announce Joint Venture

April 14, 2014April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

Tandigm Health’s innovative coordinated care model will provide higher-quality care, lower costs Independence Blue Cross (Independence) and DaVita HealthCare Partners today announced the creation of Tandigm Health. This unique joint venture, based in Philadelphia, Pa., will help deliver high-quality, affordable care to the region by combining the expertise of one of the country’s largest, most innovative Blue insurers and a nationally recognized pioneer of physician-centric coordinated care. Click here to read the bulletin Click here to read the press release from the IBC website

IBC: Tobacco Status Important Questions and Answers

April 14, 2014Ed MacConnell

Why does IBC collect member-level information about tobacco use? Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), premium rates for health insurance coverage in the individual and small group markets may be based on family size, geography, age and tobacco use. In order to follow with this guideline and accurately rate each group, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) collects member-level tobacco use information to create group premiums for new and renewing group customers. Click the link below to download the IBC document that covers the most common questions about rating tobacco users in small group in PA. Tobacco Status For Small Group Customers Flyer

IBC: Important Changes Regarding Medicare Part B Exclusion

March 18, 2014September 9, 2014Ed MacConnell

From IBC November 2013: We are writing to let you know that we will be contacting your group customers to communicate the Medicare Exclusion and application of this exclusion to their benefit plan. What is the Medicare Exclusion? The Medicare Exclusion applies to members for whom Medicare would be the primary payer but they have not elected to enroll. These members will be responsible for paying their doctor, hospital, or other medical professional the amount Medicare would have paid and any applicable copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. In turn, their group health benefit plan will only pay the remaining balance on claims submitted as if the member had enrolled in Medicare… Read More

IBC: Small Group Metallic Plans Mapping

March 18, 2014Ed MacConnell

Upon renewal in 2014 small groups will be automatically “mapped” to a new ACA compliant metallic plan. Find your new recommended 2014 Blue Solutions plan using the chart below. To make your renewal even easier we’ve identified the plan that most closely matches your current plan. Or you can choose from among 36 other options to suit your needs. More comprehensive coverage Blue Solutions health plans now cover Essential Health Benefits like pediatric dental and vision. Your health plan also continues to cover doctor visits, hospital admissions, emergency room treatments, maternity care, lab tests, X-rays, prescriptions, and vision benefits for both children and adults. Click the link below to download the… Read More

IBC: Medicare as Secondary Payer

March 17, 2014Ed MacConnell

Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) requirements determine when Medicare is the primary insurance payer. If your company has 19 or fewer full- and part-time employees, Medicare is almost always primary. If your company is larger, various rules apply to determine whether your group plan is the primary or secondary payer. MSP requirements also apply for Medicare-eligible employees who are disabled or have endstage renal disease. The following information provides a summary of the MSP requirements. This information may help you to correctly target benefits for your Medicare-eligible participants and avoid potentially costly penalties and litigation. You should, of course, also refer to the actual laws and regulations with the assistance of your own legal counsel. Click… Read More

IBC: New Lab Provider Effective July 1-IMPORTANT NOTICE

March 12, 2014Ed MacConnell

Independence Blue Cross (IBC) has selected Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp), as its exclusive, nationally-based provider of laboratory services, effective July 1, 2014. The change applies to all Personal Choice®/PPO and Keystone Health Plan East product lines, and affects all individual, group commercial, and Medicare members, for services rendered in the Philadelphia five-county area, and in the contiguous counties. Effective July 1, 2014, Quest Diagnostics laboratories will be an out-of-network provider for Personal Choice and Keystone Health Plan East. IBC will continue to contract with certain local and regional laboratories… Click to download the bulletin

IBC: July 1 rate increase for individual medically underwritten plans

March 9, 2014Ed MacConnell

IBC: We want to let you know that the monthly rates for our individual medically underwritten plans will increase in July 2014. We are notifying members muchearlier than is required to give them the opportunity to enroll in a plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The reason for the rate increase. We understand that it can be difficult to afford quality health insurance coverage. While we continue to work hard to keep costs down, the cost of health care continues to rise along with our member utilization. This is why it’s necessary for Independence Blue Cross (IBC) to implement an 11.5 percent rate increase. Click the link below to read… Read More

Important: Change to PACE and PACENET Income Limits

March 8, 2014Ed MacConnell

Effective February 7, a new law was passed that greatly benefits Medicare beneficiaries who may be eligible for PACE and PACENET. Although the annual income limits will remain the same, the Medicare Part B premium ($104.90 per month for most beneficiaries) is no longer part of the countable income of a Medicare beneficiary. This new law will result in thousands of additional beneficiaries becoming eligible for prescription drug coverage. What this means for beneficiaries Beneficiaries who may have been over the PACE/PACENET income limits by $1,259 or less, may qualify under the new law and should reapply. If a beneficiary reapplies and now qualifies for PACE/PACENET then the beneficiary is… Read More

Affordable Care Act Video: IBX Answers Five Common Questions

February 25, 2014February 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

Not Sure if you qualify? Ask your Total Benefit Solutions Advisor at (215)355-2121

Affordable Care Act Video: Subsidies and Tax Credits

February 22, 2014February 22, 2014Ed MacConnell

Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals and families may qualify for financial assistants to help pay for health care coverage. Age, family size and total household income are the factors that will determine your eligibility for subsidies and tax credits. Answer a few simple questions to learn if you might qualify for financial support: click here or ask your Total Benefit Solutions Adviser to help you by calling us today at (215)355-2121. This short video from Independence Blue Cross makes it easy to understand how they work.

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