We conducted an analysis of the House Republican Platform released over the summer, which may serve as a starting point for legislative changes. The below chart shows how some of President-elect Trump’s campaign proposals line up with the House Republican Platform released earlier this year.
New Anthem Blue Cross Silver HMO Plan, Expanded Los Angeles Network
For 2017, Anthem Blue Cross will offer a new Silver Pathway HMO 2650 plan for Individual business. This plan meets Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules and will be sold off the exchange only. We also will expand our Pathway HMO network in Los Angeles County for members who buy plans on or off the exchange.
Anthem Blue Cross Simple Off Exchange Plan Change Forms
Anthem Blue Cross has made it easier for members with off-exchange plans to change plans without filling out a new application. Current off-exchange members who want to change from their 2016 ACA compliant Anthem plan (purchased off the exchange) to a different off-exchange plan for 2017 can use the appropriate new form instead of having to complete the full enrollment application.
Covered California 2017 Individual and Family Dental Plans
For individuals and families who enroll in a health plan through Covered California they may also select a family dental plan. Any monthly subsidy awarded to the family for health insurance is not applied to the dental plan. Only household members eligible for the APTC monthly tax credit are able to enroll in an on-exchange Covered California dental plan. This means children who are Medi-Cal eligible or adults who have other coverage such as Medicare can’t be included in the family dental plan.
Medicare Plan Finder Website Errors in Anthem Blue Cross California Medicare Advantage Plans
There are errors on the Medicare Plan Finder website, Medicare.gov, and within the “2017 Medicare & You Handbook” regarding some Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans. The errors are limited to the state of California (CA) and include the counties of Santa Clara, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Stanislaus, San Bernardino, Riverside and Fresno. The benefit information for Fresno MediBlue Plus (HMO) Plan is incorrect, and the service area information for Santa Clara, Kings, Tulare, Madera, Stanislaus, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties is also incorrect.
Anthem Blue Cross 2017 Individual and Family Plan Materials
For 2017, we have adjusted our product portfolio to include an exclusive provider organization (EPO) in most rating regions. Rating Regions 10 – 14 (Southern San Joaquin Valley counties) will continue to be offered PPO plans. Members on some 2016 PPO plans and all Tiered PPO plans in these areas will be transitioned to EPO plans effective 1/1/17 (unless they choose a different plan). Members will have access to our Pathway network of doctors and hospitals, but their EPO plan will not cover out-of-network benefits.
Specialty Drug Management Changes for Anthem Blue Cross Health Plans
Health care costs continue to rise, and specialty drugs are a big contributor. These prescription medicines are used to treat complicated and chronic conditions, such as hepatitis C, cancer and multiple sclerosis. As specialty drugs become more widely used, we’re looking for new ways to control costs while keeping members healthy. That’s why we created our Right Drug Right Channel (RDRC) program.
Anthem Blue Cross Makes Changes to Acupuncture Review and Claims Process
Starting October 1, 2016, American Specialty Health (ASH) will process all acupuncture claims, in and out of the network, for our California fully insured large and small group PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. ASH also will review claims for acupuncture care to make sure the services members get are medically necessary.
Emergency health coverage for Kern County wildfire victims from Anthem Blue Cross
Anthem Blue Cross continues to make sure members affected by this California wildfire can get the medical care they need by relaxing certain conditions for health care services.
Social Security number collection gets underway
Employers, insurance companies and others who provide MEC will be required to report who’s covered with them to the IRS. This is called Minimum Essential Coverage Reporting, or IRS Code Section 6055 Reporting, and it will take place each year. This is how the federal government will make sure people have MEC. It’s also how the IRS will determine who may owe a penalty for not having coverage.