Here’s the critical and time-sensitive information Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) producers need today.
News from the Blues
News from the Blues
New ACA Off-exchange Paper App Reflects Consumer Choice Disclosure Changes
What’s new? On Oct. 22, 2021, BCBSTX will update its plan year 2021 off-exchange “paper” application. This update aligns with new Consumer Choice Disclosure language required by the Texas Department of Insurance. Get the details.
News from the Blues
News from the Blues
Member Mailing: Renewal Packets for Individual Policies
See sample packets. Soon, members of retail plans will receive their renewal packets for plan year 2022. View the renewal details, including links to sample packets.
Mailing dates: We’re mailing ACA on- and off-exchange renewal packets now and legacy individual renewal packets closer to the end of October.
News from the Blues
News from the Blues
Small Group (1-50)
News from the Blues
Now Available for You: 2022 Small Group Overview Brochure
New Texas state regulations require us to provide a Consumer Choice Plan Disclosure Statement (HMO disclosure form) to all employer groups that offer a Consumer Choice HMO plan.
*Pharmacy Member Communications Mailing for Custom Fully Insured Groups with a 2022 Drug List Change
What’s changing: As previously communicated, BCBSTX will be moving our pharmacy benefit Custom Fully Insured groups to the Performance drug list from the Basic or Enhanced drug lists.
What else: This change affects Large Groups and National Accounts, starting Jan. 1, 2022, and upon renewal. Communications to impacted members with a 1Q 2022 renewal date will be sent beginning late October 2021. Review details about the drug list change and see a sample letter to members.
Get ready to re-introduce your group clients to BlueResource – our completely revamped online health and wellness library. It features content they can share with employees on popular health topics. English and Spanish materials are available in a variety of formats to help drive healthy change.
Oct. 27 Webinar: How Blue DirectionsSM Modernizes Clients’ Benefits Administration
Blue Directions assists your clients with enrollment and benefits management. Available to groups with 51 or more employees, it also offers reporting capabilities and decision-support tools.
Campaign Launching to Promote New Flex PPO Product
What it is: The Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Flex (PPO)SM plan joins our Medicare Advantage offerings for 2022. Like a Medicare Supplement, it provides the freedom and flexibility to see any health care provider who accepts Medicare. Plus, the plan includes access to extra health and wellness benefits.
This unique Medicare Advantage plan offers an alternative to Medicare Supplement insurance plans. Your clients may find it’s an attractive option for their Medicare coverage.
Promoting the new plan. Beginning in November, we will include a promotional insert in member and prospect age-in direct mail campaigns. These campaigns target individuals within three months of and then one month away from turning 65. The no-network requirement and predictable cost make the Medicare Advantage Flex PPO plan a good choice for those moving off employer-sponsored health care coverage.
Medicare Advantage Members Can Stay Active with SilverSneakers®
Blue Cross Medicare AdvantageSM members have access to SilverSneakers, a fitness benefit included with their plan. To promote this, we recently sent Medicare Advantage members a reminder email.
SilverSneakers offers:
Several options to help members keep moving and stay active, healthy and independent
Thousands of participating locations, with both live and on-demand classes
Encourage your clients to take advantage of this benefit to stay active, especially important with the upcoming cold winter months.
Blue365® Discounts Can Help Members Get Fit, Stay Well
Do your Group, Retail and Medicare clients know about Blue365 discounts? Tell them that they can save money on fitness products and wellness services not usually covered by their medical insurance.
Top national and local retailers offer deals on gym shoes and workout apparel, wearables, healthy eating options and more. To receive weekly Featured Deals, members can register for the program.
Hearing services are provided by American Hearing Benefits, BeltoneTM, HearUSA and TruHearing®. Vision services are provided by ContactsDirect®, Croakies, Davis VisionSM, EyeMed Vision Care, Glasses.com, Jonathan Paul Fitovers and LasikPlus®.
News from the Blues
*This article, or a similar version, is being shared with employer groups in the BlueVISION newsletter or news alert.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
