Important Administrative Information (IAI) is a quarterly mailing that delivers the latest news about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts products and services to employers and consultants.
Current Editions:
Expanded Coverage for Fluoride Supplements
Bright Futures, led by the American Academy of Pediatrics, has revised its recommendations for fluoride supplements to prevent dental cavities in children. As a result, effective January 1, 2019, as a one-day change, we're updating our commercial medical plan coverage to reflect these changes, ensuring compliance with Preventive Services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Learn more.
New Identity Protection Products for Members
Beginning December 1, 2018, Experian is replacing its ProtectMyID and Family Secure products with IdentityWorks Credit 1-Bureau for adults, and IdentityWorks Minor Plus for dependents under 18. Learn more.
Prepayment Inpatient Claim Review
As previously communicated in a June IAI, we've partnered with Equian, a nationally known payment integrity vendor, to help continue to manage costs and improve the accuracy of claim payments. Learn more.
New Change to HMO and Blue Choice (POS) Plans That Could Reduce Your Costs
To help lower costs for employers and members, Blue Cross and Blue Shield may negotiate lower, out-of-network claims costs for covered services performed by out-of-network Massachusetts providers. This change takes effect in 2019 and applies to all employers with commercial HMO and POS plans. Learn more.
No-Cost Flu Vaccine Available for Members
We cover the cost of the flu shot (for all members ages six months and older), as well as the nasal spray flu vaccine, commonly known as FluMist (for specific populations), when a member gets the vaccine from a health care professional, a pharmacy-based clinic (like CVS MinuteClinic®'), or at their workplace (when administered by a Blue Cross vendor). Learn more.
Reminder: Prior Authorization Required for Genetic Testing in 2019
Beginning January 1, 2019, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts will require prior authorization before covering certain genetic tests. Learn more.
Blue 20/20 Plan Now Includes a Discount on Hearing Exams and Aids
We now offer a discount on hearing exams and aids for Blue 20/20 plan members through Amplifon Hearing, an independent company. Learn more.
Account Toolkit for Split-Level Cost Sharing for Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Services
As communicated in our 2019 Product and Benefit Updates brochure for small employers, effective January 1, 2019, upon renewal, we'll apply two cost-share levels for outpatient Diagnostic Tests and Imaging Services on certain Merged Market medical plans. This change will not apply to Blue Options plans, Blue Select® plans, Connector plans, and plans with Hospital Choice Cost Sharing. If your plan will include this benefit update on renewal, please help your enrolled employees learn about this important benefit change. Learn more.
New Health Education and Engagement Services Through Wellness Concepts
We’re excited to announce that beginning January 1, 2019, our health education and engagement services will expand significantly to incorporate a wide range of new topics and events. Learn more.
With New Website Design, Promoting ahealthyme®´ Rewards Is Even Easier
Now all the marketing materials you need to spread the word about your new wellness program can be viewed and accessed—right from our newly-designed website. Learn more.
We’re Partnering with Virgin Pulse®″ to Encourage Employee Health and Well-being
In 2018, Blue Cross and Virgin Pulse created and launched ahealthyme®´ Rewards, a fully-funded turnkey wellness program, as well as Healthy Together, a team-oriented fitness challenge concept. Both initiatives have been successful, and the two companies will build on their partnership with an expanded offering in January 2019. Learn more.