What's Inside: Medicare and individual open enrollment dates to remember | BlueReliance plan changes | We are issuing Medicare Advantage member ID cards | Newly updated Application for Group Benefits | Dental expense claim form can now be submitted electronically | Employer group digital navigation tips | Helping members get better connected with their health plan | Flu season is here | Employees with disabilities bring creativity and know-how to navigate adversity | Healthy holidays for a healthy year
Medicare and individual open enrollment dates to remember
Medicare open enrollment for plan year 2024 runs through December 7, 2023.
The 2024 open enrollment for individuals with a January 1, 2024 effective date is December 15, 2023. Applications submitted between December 16 and January 19 will be for coverage starting February 1, 2024.
BlueReliance plan changes
Beginning with Medicare Supplement applications received on or after December 9, Capital Blue Cross will implement the following underwriting guidelines for plan changes:
CURRENT COVERAGE*
PLAN CHANGE DOES NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL UNDERWRITING
PLAN CHANGE REQUIRES MEDICAL UNDERWRITING**
Plan A
Not applicable
Plans B, C, D, F, G, & N
Plan B
Plans A & N
Plans C, D, F, & G
Plan C
Plans A, B, & N
Plans D, F, & G
Plan D
Plans A, B, & N
Plans C, F, & G
Plan F
Plans A, B, C, & N
Plans D & G
Plan G
Plans A, B, & N
Plans C, F, & D
Plan N
Plan A
Plans B, C, D, F, & G
* Guidelines apply for BlueReliance plan changes, as well as plan changes on all Medicare Supplement plans issued by Capital Blue Cross and its subsidiaries (e.g. Security).
** In order to apply for plan C or F, beneficiaries must have been first eligible for Medicare prior to January 1, 2020.
We are issuing Medicare Advantage member ID cards
Capital Blue Cross will mail member ID cards for plan year 2024 for all new and renewing Medicare Advantage members in December. Renewing members will receive new cards to reflect current benefits based on 2024 plan changes.
As a reminder, producers can view, download, and print a copy of a member’s ID card from the Producer Portal.
Newly updated Application for Group Benefits
For 2024 effective dates for your commercial groups, remember to use the most recent version of the Application for Group Benefits (GpBenefitsAppV.6). The YES tool has been updated with this version.
Dental expense claim form can now be submitted electronically
Commercial group and individual members with Capital Blue Cross Dental can now complete and submit a simplified dental claim formonline for out-of-network dental claims. Members can access the form through their secure account by navigating to the Forms page and choosing 'Dental' under Submit a Claim.
The American Dental Association dental claim form for members wanting to print and mail their form will still be available on the same page.
Medicare members should continue to download, print, and mail the dental claim form.
Employer group digital navigation tips
Producers and employer groups can use their secure account on our website to access group enrollment information through eGEMS, invoices and billing, reporting, and more.
Helping members get better connected with their health plan
We recently mailed commercial group, individual, and CHIP members our annual printed newsletterthat includes required notices and important information to help them manage their healthcare. Topics include registering for a secure member account, finding in-network providers and comparing costs, preventive care services, diabetes resources, and women’s health programs.
Flu season is here
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine prevents millions of illnesses and flu-related doctor’s visits each year. Share this flyer with your clients and their employees to learn more about CDC flu shot recommendations and how they can find an in-network vaccine provider.
Employees with disabilities bring creativity and know-how to navigate adversity
More people with disabilities are getting hired, and that benefits everyone in the workplace. But most of all, says a nationally known advocate, employees with disabilities bring unique skill sets and perspectives that benefit productivity — and the bottom line.
This article is posted on our website THINK(Trusted Health Information, News, and Knowledge). THINK empowers business leaders, consultants, and consumers to start and sustain conversations about health and wellness at work, at home, and throughout our communities.
Healthy holidays for a healthy year
The holiday season is challenging when it comes to practicing healthy behaviors. Shorter, colder days, busier schedules, and social events with rich food and drink options are just a few common reasons why health gets put aside this time of year.
The Healthy Holidays campaign — a multi-week health education newsletter for the holiday season — focuses on cold and flu, healthy beverage substitutions, home and holiday safety, ways to be active, and stress management techniques.
If your clients are interested in learning more, email or call a Senior Health Education Consultant today.
Members can also access their Healthy Blue Rewards portal through their computer or the AlwaysOn® app to take on a personal challenge: the Savvy Spending challenge helps participants to take charge of their spending habits — the perfect complement for every shopper this busy holiday season!
AlwaysOn® is a registered trademark of Onlife Health, Inc., an independent company. On behalf of Capital Blue Cross, Onlife Health provides health information content and wellness tools.
Your producer relations team
Capital Blue Cross has adopted a team approach to support you, as we collaborate to enhance business relationships, foster your growth through education and incentives, and actively support the communities we serve. The Producer Relations team thanks you for your commitment and hard work. Reach out whenever you need them.
If you have any questions about content in this email, please contact your account executive.