Dec. 16, 2020

Reminder: Blue Essentials^SM Is Transitioning to PCP Capitation in 2022

Applies to Large Groups (151+)

What's changing: Effective Jan. 2, 2021, we will stop offering Health Savings Account (HSA) plans on our Blue Essentials network.

What else?

• While our Blue Essentials network will still be available to Large Groups, the capitated model will go live Jan. 1, 2022, and select office visit services will shift to copay only.
• This will allow these services to shift from a fee-for-service to a fee-for-value model.
• In order to allow for this change, we will move all membership from fee-for-service plan designs, effective Jan. 1, 2022.

What This Means for New Large Group Business:

• Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, we'll stop offering Blue Essentials HSA plans to new groups. All groups transitioning off Blue Essentials HSA plans will have alternative product options. These include Blue Premier^SM, Blue Premier Access^SM and Blue Choice PPO^SM.
   
  
• Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, any new business enrolling in Blue Essentials will need to select a fee-for-value based plan design (i.e., copays for certain services, instead of deductible/coinsurance-based designs).

What This Means for Renewing Large Group Business:

• Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, we'll stop offering Blue Essentials HSA plans to renewing groups. All groups transitioning off Blue Essentials HSA plans will have alternative product options. These include Blue Essentials, Blue Premier, Blue Premier Access and Blue Choice PPO.
   
  
• Members may need to reduce their contribution amounts if they do not remain HSA-eligible for the entire testing period due to a mid-year change to a non-HSA plan.
• HSA contributions are based on the number of months a member is enrolled in the HSA-qualified High Deductible Health Plan.
• Members should consult their tax advisor to discuss additional details.
   
  
• Beginning Jan. 2, 2021, any renewing​ business enrolling in Blue Essentials will need to select a fee-for-value based plan design (i.e., copays for certain services, instead of deductible/coinsurance-based designs).
   
  
• Employers can renew on the suggested plan or choose a different one.
   
  
• Non-HSA benefit options will still be available on the Blue Essentials network.