Annual Enrollment Poster
Click here for a poster reminding employees of your Annual Enrollment dates.
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ARB Step Therapy Program Begins April 1
This is a preview of an article that will appear in this month's issue of Member Focus:
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs) are medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. In early 2010, two commonly prescribed ARBs, Cozaar® and Hyzaar®, became available as generic medications.
Beginning April 1, 2010, Atacand®, Atacand HCT®, Avapro®, Avalide®, Benicar®, Benicar HCT®, Teveten®, and Teveten HCT® will no longer be covered without prior authorization. Also as part of the step therapy program, several brand name ARB medications will be moved to Tier 3.
Click here to read more.
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2010 Annual Enrollment
This is a preview of an article that will appear in this month's issue of Member Focus:
It's time for Annual Enrollment for the 2010/2011 benefit year. You should have received your Annual Enrollment Kit in the mail. It contains important information about Annual Enrollment and the new Comprehensive Wellness Initiative that goes into effect July 1, 2010.
It is important to note that effective July 1, 2010, all members who have primary coverage through the State Health Plan will be enrolled in the 70/30 Basic Plan. (This does not apply to members who have Medicare as their primary coverage.) You must ACT to enroll in the 80/20 Standard Plan.
To enroll in the 80/20 Standard Plan members must complete the Tobacco Attestation Form. To qualify for the 80/20 Standard Plan, you must not use tobacco, or you must be actively trying to quit. If you are applying for an exemption to enroll in the 80/20 Standard plan due to participation in a tobacco cessation program, you must complete the Physician Certification Form. You are not required to submit this form during Annual Enrollment. Members will be required to submit the form if the Plan requests it for verification.
Click here for more information. |
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CWI Overview Video
To help you better understand the Comprehensive Wellness Initiative (CWI), we have developed a video that provides a short overview of the program and its requirements. As you prepare for Annual Enrollment, take a moment to review the video and learn more about the CWI.
Click here and scroll down the page to watch the video.
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Corrected Remittance Street Address for Charter Schools
The street address for submitting remittance via overnight carriers (Fed Ex, UPS etc.) that was provided in the HBR Alert on February 26, 2010 does not apply to charter schools. Charter schools that need to send their remittance overnight should continue to use the street address below:
BCBSNC
5901 Chapel Hill Rd.
Durham, NC 27707
Please note: If a charter school remittance is sent to the address that was in the previous HBR Alert, it will not be processed and will be delayed because it will have to be sent to the correct location. |
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COBRA Subsidy Extension
On March 10, 2010, the COBRA subsidy program that was enacted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was again amended by the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. The law's COBRA provisions extended the eligibility period for the 15-month premium reduction to those involuntarily terminated from February 17, 2009 through December 31, 2010.
The State Health Plan is currently working with BCBSNC to comply with the new COBRA subsidy extension requirements. Additional information will be sent to you and will be posted on the State Health Plan Web site.
The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has updated the introduction on the COBRA webpage at www.dol.gov/COBRA to reflect the Temporary Extension Act of 2010. | |
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