Walgreens to leave Anthem Blue Cross network January 1, 2012

By GreenPeak, on November 3rd, 2011%

Walgreens to leave Anthem Blue Cross Network on December 31, 2011.  What does this mean for you?

In October, we wrote to you about contract talks between Express Scripts, the company that manages the drug store network for us, and Walgreens.  We’re writing today with an update so that you have the very latest information affecting your coverage. Despite ongoing talks, it appears the two parties won’t reach an agreement before the end of the year. Walgreens will leave the network on January 1, 2012. Walgreens’ sister stores (such as Duane Reade, OptionCare and Happy Harry’s) will also leave at that time. You’ll still be able to use any of the other 56,000 network drug stores across the country. There are many chains (such as CVS, Rite Aid, Kroger, Target and Wal‐Mart), plus local, independent stores. On average, there’s a network store within a half mile of a Walgreens.  Sometimes, even closer. Please take action to transfer your prescriptions

The New Year will be here soon. So please take some time NOW – before life gets too hectic around the holidays – to transfer your prescription to a different store in the network. Go to our website at anthem.com and use the ”Find a Doctor” feature to find a network drug store near you. Or call us at the number on the back of your member ID card.

Switching to a new drug store is easy After picking a new drug store, either:

1.        Take your medicine bottle to your new drug store. They’ll call the old one to transfer it for you. OR

2.        Call the new store and ask them to call the old one. OR

3.        Ask your doctor to call your new drug store with your prescription details.

Some things you should know

• You can still receive coverage for your medicine from Walgreens and its sister stores through December 31, 2011.

• In most cases, your cost will not change because of Walgreens leaving the network.

• If your plan offers out‐of network benefits and you use Walgreens after December 31, 2011, you’ll have to pay the full retail price. You’ll need to send in a claim yourself. Also, benefits will be lower than if you use a network drug store. If you have any questions, please call the customer service number on your member ID card.

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Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital no longer with Blue Shield (LPCH)

By GreenPeak, on August 31st, 2011%

. . . → Read More: Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital no longer with Blue Shield (LPCH)

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The Children’s Health Insurance Program

By MGhatala, on August 7th, 2010%

The Children’s Health Insurance Program

 The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), formerly known as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), is a federal program.  Funding was initiated in 1997 when the statistic of American children without insurance was just over 1 to 10.  CHIP provides health and dental coverage for children whose parents . . . → Read More: The Children’s Health Insurance Program

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Ready for Baby?

By MGhatala, on August 7th, 2010%

Deciding to start a family is a life altering event.  Not having good health and life insurance coverage can be too.  If you are expecting a baby or recently had a baby, its not to late to examine your insurance needs.

U.S. Census data shows that July and August are the most common birth . . . → Read More: Ready for Baby?

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5 Tips To Help You Reduce Your Group Health Insurance Cost

By FSaiyed, on July 12th, 2010%

Business health insurance is a major cost of doing business, especially for small companies and mom-and-pop firms. With premiums soaring, many small business owners are asking their employees to shoulder more of the financial burden or cutting benefits entirely. . . . → Read More: 5 Tips To Help You Reduce Your Group Health Insurance Cost

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Health Reform Time Line

By FSaiyed, on July 9th, 2010%

Many changes are being implemented in the healthcare insurance industry within the first year. Below are a list of changes that will be implemented this year. • Seniors will get a $250 rebate to help fill the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage, which falls between the $2,700 initial limit and when catastrophic coverage kicks in at $6,154. • Carriers will be barred from imposing exclusions on children with pre-existing conditions. Pools will cover those with pre-existing health conditions until health care coverage exchanges are operational. • Carriers will not be able to rescind policies to avoid paying medical bills when a person becomes ill. • Lifetime limits on benefits and restrictive annual limits will be prohibited. • New plans must provide coverage for preventive services without co-pays. All plans must comply by 2018. • A temporary reinsurance program will help offset costs of coverage for companies that provide early retiree health benefits for those ages 55 to 64. • New plans will be required to implement an appeals process for coverage determinations and claims. • Adoption tax credit and assistance exclusion will increase by $1,000. The bill makes the credit refundable and extends it through 2011. • A 10 percent tax will be imposed on amounts paid for indoor tanning services on or after July 1. • Businesses with fewer than 50 employees will get tax credits covering 35 percent of their health care premiums, increasing to 50 percent by 2014. . . . → Read More: Health Reform Time Line

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