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

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

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New Guidance on Cost Sharing Limits under Health Care Reform

The three agencies responsible for the implementation of health care reform (Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Labor) released a joint set of Frequently Asked Questions on cost sharing limits. Health care reform places a limit on the dollar amount of out-of-pocket expenses that a participant may be charged in a year. In 2014, that limit is $6,350 for self-only coverage and $12,700 for other coverage. In 2015, the limit increases to $6,600 for self-only coverage and $13,200 for other coverage. The guidance clarifies that if an out-of-network provider charges an amount greater than the amount allowed by the plan (i.e., balance bills the amount above the usual and customary… Read More

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What is Hospital Indemnity?

Hospital Indemnity Plans as a “wrap” 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”. A group Hospital Indemnity plan can fit the bill and provide a comprehensive financial support plan for a family dealing with a medical crisis. It also allows the employee to make a more prudent health plan selection by giving them coverage for any large deductibles, co-pays or cost sharing scenarios. Hospital Indemnity plans are available to individuals too. Download more information on Shelterpoint’s Hospital Indemnity plan   Below is a… Read More

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

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

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IBC: Tobacco Status Important Questions and Answers

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

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2014 Group Health Plan Calendar

    The 2014 Group Health Plans Notices Calendar in now available! All-in-One Health Plan Notices Calendar and Downloadable Model Notices Our 2014 calendar provides bottom line information on group health plan required notices and filings, including who must receive them, who must provide them and when notices are due. At last, the notices you  need are available in one convenient location, including: Health Care Reform Notices (includes new SBC template for 2014 and information on required PCORI filings) COBRA Notices HIPAA Notices (includes information on elimination of creditable coverage certificates and new model Notice of Privacy Practices) Special Health Care Notices (Women’s Health and Cancer Rights, Mental Health Parity… Read More

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IBC: July 1 rate increase for individual medically underwritten plans

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

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Total Benefit Solutions Makes Enrolling Easier

In an effort to meet the enrollment challenges that many are facing under healthcare reform,  Total Benefit Solutions Inc has designed a custom form for our clients to use. Using this form and submitting it to Total Benefit Solutions Inc  will enable our Marketplace trained and certified licensed independent brokers to assist you in the enrollment process from the registration right through the enrollment! Remember as your independent broker we always work in your best interests,  not an insurance company. We represent you, our client and not an insurer or government agency. Click the link below to open the form and get started!  When completed, just click the link to… Read More

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