BCBS Antitrust Litigation and Tentative Settlement –Impact on Group Health Plans

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What is a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan?

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Update on COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Administration Cost

Update on COVID-19 Vaccine and Vaccine Administration Cost

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Indy Medicare Part D Health Plan Terminated

Indy Health Insurance Company, a stand-alone Part D plan in Arkansas, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Illinois, and Georgia has been terminated.

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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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IBC: Effective January 1, 2015, HIPAA Certificates of Creditable Coverage are no longer required

On February 24, 2014, the United States Departments of Health and Human Services issued a final rule that addressed the requirement to provide HIPAA Certificates of Creditable Coverage (HIPAA Certificates) under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As the ACA prohibits pre-existing condition exclusions, the new rule eliminates the requirement to provide HIPAA Certificates beginning December 31, 2014. What does this mean for members?  Previously, when coverage was terminated for a member or his/her dependents, Independence Blue Cross (Independence) issued a HIPAA Certificate. Because the ACA prohibits the application of pre-existing condition exclusions, which applies to both grandfathered and non-grandfathered health plans, these certificates are no longer required. Effective January, 1,… Read More

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Total Benefit Solutions is your Marketplace Navigator

What do you get with Total Benefit Solutions as your Marketplace Navigator? A broker who is Unbiased and objective  Trained Local Certified Licensed Insured Up to date Representing you Part of a team of dedicated professionals Click here for more information and to see our “Marketplace Navigator” brochure: Individual Enrollment Navigator Brochure  

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

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

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

‘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

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What is Critical Illness Insurance?

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

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

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

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IRS: HSA Contributions and limits for 2015 Released

The IRS has released the 2015 cost-of-living adjustments affecting HSAs and HDHPs. The 2015 IRS HSA limits are increasing for 2015. Click to download the bulletin

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IBC: Special Care program ending

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

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