Resources Help with the American Rescue Plan Act, SEP and Premium Tax Credits
Need help? We know there’s a lot of information to digest. From CMS and HHS materials to our own FAQs, check out our resources for you.
April 1 reminder: Starting tomorrow, new Marketplace applicants and existing Marketplace enrollees can apply or re-apply for coverage help. Consumers must be enrolled in Marketplace (on-exchange) qualified health plans to be eligible for expanded premium tax credits under the American Rescue Plan.
News from the Blues
Group
News from the Blues
American Rescue Plan Act: COBRA Subsidy Letter to Employers
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. The law provides additional relief during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and includes several important changes to COBRA coverage.
Federal subsidy: ARPA offers a federal subsidy of 100% of the COBRA continuation coverage premiums for qualified beneficiaries. The subsidy is available starting April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021. To be eligible for the subsidy the qualified beneficiary must:
Be within their COBRA eligibility time period during the subsidy availability timeframe, April 1, 2021, through Sept. 30, 2021. ARPA does not extend the maximum period of COBRA eligibility.
The event for loss of active coverage must be involuntary termination of employment or a reduction of hours. This excludes those who voluntarily terminated or who were terminated for gross misconduct.
Individuals meeting these requirements are referred to as Assistance Eligible Individuals.
Review the ARPA letter – with action items – that we are emailing next week to the employer groups for whom we administer COBRA benefits.
News from the Blues
Notices Going to Some Mid-Market Groups with Discontinued Plans; FAQs Included
Discontinuation notices are going to group administrators and employees of Mid-Market group accounts, beginning with plans renewing on July 1, 2021. We will continue sending notices to groups 90 days before their renewal date throughout the next 12 months.
*Blue DirectionsSM Will Be Unavailable April 12–18
The Blue Directions platform is changing to a new and updated server. Between April 12 and 18, you and your clients won’t be able to make benefit updates through Blue Directions.
*‘My Benefits’ – A New Online Solution for Members’ Disability Claims
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) members can submit and manage their disability claims online through this new self-service tool.
Why this matters: My Benefits offers the most secure and convenient experience for members to submit and manage their disability claims. Learn how it works.
News from the Blues
Medicare
News from the Blues
Reminder: CMP Certification Site Not Available April 13–19
What you need to know: Our current Compliance Management Platform (CMP) certification website is transitioning to a new location on the same website and is being updated. You can expect an improved look and feel, easier navigation and better curriculum overview.
To make the change: The CMP certification system will be unavailable from 8 p.m. CT Tuesday, April 13 through 8 a.m. CT Monday, April 19. We apologize for any inconvenience.
News from the Blues
BCBSTX Updates
News from the Blues
*Texas Legislative Digest, Issue 11, 2021
State lawmakers heard testimony on a bill that would strengthen a 2019 law that prohibited surprise billing by out-of-network providers for certain covered health care services or supplies that exceeded the health plan member’s out-of-pocket responsibilities. The law being considered by lawmakers would extend the surprise billing prohibition to out-of-network ground ambulance services.
*Video: Helping Texans Recover from Winter Storm 2021
If you want to see good deeds in action, then watch this video. View how our employees jumped into action to care for others following the recent winter storm.
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