October Updates: 2-50 & 51-99 Portfolios

Anthem Blue Cross 2-50 & 51-99
October 2010 Benefit & Rate Adjustments
Anthem Blue Cross Small Group announced their October 2010 quarterly medical rate adjustments, averaging 2.8%, as well as:
  • Benefit changes as they pertain to Health Care Reform
  • RAF Program has been extended and is now open to PEO groups
  • Dental, Vision and Life will receive a rate pass with no adjustments to benefits
Quoting for an October 1, 2010 effective date is available TODAY!
 

HEALTH CARE REFORM BENEFIT CHANGES
Effective October 1, 2010, Anthem Blue Cross is updating benefits for all Small Group plans to comply with Federal and State requirements, including applicable provisions of the recently enacted federal Health Care Reform laws.  It should be noted that as additional guidance is provided, Anthem Blue Cross may be required to make additional changes to their benefit summaries.
 
Anthem Blue Cross Benefit Enhancements
The benefits listed below will be applied to all plans effective October 1, 2010. 
  • Allowing dependents to be added up to age 26 regardless of student status.
  • Elimination of lifetime limits.
  • Adjustment to certain other annual limits.
  • Removal of pre-existing exclusions for members under age 19.
  • Preventive care coverage at 100%.
  • Coverage for emergency services without prior authorization and with same cost share as in-network.
  • Plan must allow child to designate pediatrician as PCP and not require authorization for an 0B-GYN.
  • Plans must abide by internal and external appeals standards.
  • Coverage for clinical trials for life-threatening diseases subject to a plans normal restrictions on benefits and out-of-network providers.
Maintaining Grandfathered Status with Anthem Blue Cross
EmployeeElect Portfolio - Plans within the EmployeeElect portfolio will be brought into compliance for October 1, 2010 effective dates. Groups will be able to maintain these plans until otherwise notified, thereby maintaining their Grandfathered status.
 
Should Anthem Blue Cross adjust benefits to a plan within the EmployeeElect portfolio following October 1, 2010, an entirely new plan will be introduced while also maintaining the version implemented October 1, 2010. Eventually, this will result in two separate EmployeeElect portfolios with separate rates. Having two EmployeeElect portfolios will allow inforce employers an opportunity to maintain their Grandfathered status as long as possible. 

EmployeeChoice & BeneFits Portfolios - Plans within the EmployeeChoice and BeneFits portfolios will be brought into compliance for October 1, 2010 effective dates as well. However, should Anthem Blue Cross eventually choose to adjust benefits to any plan within these portfolios after October 1, 2010, a new version of the plan will not be introduced. Instead, the plan implemented October 1, 2010 will be modified. Eventual plan changes made after October 1, 2010, will be received by groups upon their next renewal, thereby potentially causing a loss of their Grandfathered status.
What is Grandfathered Status
Click here for b&p's Health Care Reform resource on Grandfathered Health Plans.
 

MEDICAL RATE ADJUSTMENTS (effective October 1, 2010)
Average statewide rate increases by portfolio and product are provided below. Since increases vary by plan and region, please contact any member of your b&p Sales Team to obtain plan specific rate increases.

EmployeeElect
  • 2-50 HMO = 1.5%
  • 2-50 PPO = 2.0%
  • 2-50 CDHP = 7.0%
  • 51-99 (including 2-50 MHP compliant plans) = book rates for these plans will differ from the 2-50 book rates, now being slightly higher. 
EmployeeChoice = 3.6%
 
BeneFits = 1.2%
 
2010 Quarterly Rate Adjustments
During 2010, Anthem Blue Cross Small Group issued the following quarterly rate adjustments. It should be noted that these rate adjustments are averages and will vary by plan and by region.
  • January = 4.0%
  • April = 4.7%
  • July = 1.9%
Book Rates
 

ANCILLARY CHANGES
 
Dental, Vision & Life Rates & Benefits
No changes to rates or benefits.
 
Don't Forget the Specialty Discounts
  • 1% RAF Savings (down to .90) - when a group buys at least $25,000 in life coverage. In many cases, the 1% RAF savings will cover the entire cost of the life premium.
  • 6% Premium Savings - when groups purchase both dental and at least $25,000 in life coverage, they may receive 6% off both the dental and the life premiums.
Click here for the Anthem Specialty Cheat Sheet.  

 

IMPORTANT DATES
  • Mid-August: October 2010 broker renewals will be mailed.
  • Late August: October 2010 group renewals will be mailed.

 

Please contact any member of your b&p Sales Team for assistance with quote requests and questions regarding the details above - 888.722.3373.