HIGHMARK UPDATE

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association announces free identity protection services for eligible Blue members

In Monday's Wall Street Journal, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) ran an ad announcing that, on or before Jan.1, 2016, identity protection services will be available to all eligible Blue members at no cost to the member. Download a PDF of the ad.

Highmark plans to participate in this important BCBSA initiative, with the objective of enhancing the safety and security of our members in light of heightened cybersecurity risks across the country.

Please know that Monday's announcement is just the beginning of the implementation process. We want the producer community to be aware of this news now and to know that we recognize the importance of providing you with details of the offer, including the vendor when one is selected and other aspects of implementation as they are finalized.

We will be sharing more information in the coming months, as we work to include these services in our benefit offerings. In the meantime, please download and review these talking points for additional information.

Please contact your Highmark client manager if you have any questions. 

PHARMACY UPDATE

Changes to Highmark's pharmacy network coming Jan. 1, 2016

Highmark will be changing its pharmacy network to reflect one that is more aligned with Express Scripts' national industry standards, which allow for greater buying power. Here's what's changing: 

The new network changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2016.   

These network changes allow for more overall cost savings and provide our members with greater access to a larger variety of retail chains. However, we do anticipate some member disruption because with this change, some smaller, independent pharmacies will no longer be in-network. 

Producer FAQs were created to help you in discussions with your clients. Please contact your Highmark client manager if you have any questions.

HEALTH CARE REFORM

Brand name contraceptives now available with no cost-sharing for non-grandfathered members
 

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires non-grandfathered plans to cover contraceptives with no cost-sharing (e.g., copays or coinsurance).

Effective July 11, the ACA requires health plans to accommodate contraceptive users who require a brand drug for which a generic is available at no cost, or coverage of a non-formulary drug only when the doctor deems it medically necessary and appropriate. This means members who have the non-grandfathered Highmark Preventive Schedule will not be charged a copay or the cost differential between the brand name and generic drug. 

Please contact your Highmark client manager if you have any questions.

MEMBER PORTAL

Highmark has released several updates to the member portal that enhance users' experience of the site, making accessing health care information easier than ever. Some of the changes include:

• The "Choose Providers" tab has been transformed to "Find a Doctor" to highlight and access Highmark's quality provider networks
• Health Plan Resources content has been migrated from "Useful Coverage Information" to include relevant videos, content, and forms important for members' coverage
• The look of the member forgot login and password process has been updated for easier use
• Members are now able to provide customer identification so that members can set up their spending account