News & Updates
We have been notified by Anthem Blue Cross that they are choosing to withdraw the Medical rate increase they announced for third quarter on a limited number of Medical plans. The rate rollback will affect the following plans:
What does this mean for new business?
What does this mean for renewing business?
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MEDICAL RATE ADJUSTMENTS
Medical rate increases previously announced for the Anthem plans listed below will not go into effect. Instead, all Anthem Medical plans will receive a RATE PASS for third quarter 2012.
Plans Receiving Rate Rollback
July 2012 Book Rates The revised book rates are not yet available for July through September effective dates. In the meantime, you may reference the April book rates provided below. |
MEDICAL BENEFIT CHANGES
Even though rate increases scheduled for July 2012 effective dates will not go into effect, ALL plans in ALL medical portfolios (EmployeeElect, EmployeeChoice and BeneFits) will experience benefit changes as originally announced.
:::Expansion of Women's Preventive Care Mandates Newly expanded benefits for women's preventive care through PPACA includes the following services, drugs and supplies paid at 100% in-network:
:::Maternity Benefits (California AB210) This bill requires that every group health insurance policy provide coverage for maternity services, including office visits. As a result, the Anthem Blue Cross Elements Hospital Basic and BeneFits Hospital Basic plans are being updated to comply with this legislation (also see Discontinued Plans). :::Autism Benefit (California SB946) This bill requires that all health plans and policies provide coverage for behavioral health treatment for pervasive developmental disorder or autism.
:::Solution PPO Plan Updates The Solution 2500, 3500 and 5000 PPO plans will experience benefit changes. To view the current benefits alongside the July 1, 2012 benefits, click here.
:::EOC Language Updates Updates to EOC language includes:
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PLAN DISCONTINUATIONS
As planned, Anthem Blue Cross will eliminate two (2) medical plans from their portfolios for July 1, 2012 effective dates. Unless the employer notifies Anthem Blue Cross of different plan elections, members will be migrated as listed below:
Effective October 1, 2012, Anthem Blue Cross will eliminate the three (3) medical plans listed below. Due to legislated benefit changes, the Elements and BeneFits plan designs scheduled to be eliminated will closely mirror the Plus plans. As a result, members will be migrated to those plans.
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MEDICAL UNDERWRITING CHANGE
A quick reminder that Anthem Blue Cross will require the revised Statement of Understanding for all new and renewing groups beginning with July 1, 2012 effective dates. The broker AND employer will be required to sign the Statement of Understanding.
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SPECIALTY CHANGES
Anthem Blue Cross will proceed with rate adjustments on the Prime & Complete Dental plans for July 1, 2012 effective dates. All other ancillary products will receive a rate pass. Click here to learn about Anthem's 2012 Specialty Bonus Program.
Dental
Vision
Life
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