Blue Benefits Bulletin

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December 2009

BlueCross Earns A+ in Latest Financial Strength Rating from S&P

Inline Image As a trusted partner, you will be happy to know that Standard and Poor’s assigned BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee an A+ financial strength rating with a stable outlook for the future. S&P’s strong financial rating for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee was based on a thorough, objective analysis of our business, financial records and meetings with our management staff.

Earlier this year, A.M. Best issued public data ratings for many U.S. health insurance companies, including BlueCross. A.M. Best has chosen to withdraw public data rating assignments, including the rating assigned to BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and will no longer formally follow the financial strength of U.S. health insurance companies.

The Standard and Poor’s A+ rating reaffirms BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee’s financial strength for our members, groups and you – our broker. The A+ rating enables you to confidently offer our products to your clients. Thank you for your continued support.

In This Issue

Medicare Information

Medicare Supplement Changes for 2010

Medicare Supplements are scheduled for changes in 2010. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) was passed in an effort to streamline and modernize benefits and benefit plans, reduce beneficiary confusion and increase beneficiary choices. Read More »

Annual Credentialing Required to Receive Medicare Advantage Renewal Commissions

If you are one of our brokers who has sold BlueAdvantage products in previous years, we want to make sure you are eligible to receive future renewal commissions. New government regulations stipulate that only credentialed Medicare Advantage brokers can receive renewal commissions. Read More »

Important Information for Your Clients Changing from BlueAdvantage to BlueCross 65

With an economy that has been unpredictable and many questions about Medicare coverage, you may find more of your clients requesting a change from their BlueAdvantage Plan to a BlueCross 65 Plan. Read More »

Primary Coverage Reminder: Group vs. Medicare

Our staff receives questions from across the state on a daily basis, and one common question is: “Who is responsible for primary coverage on an employed group member who also has Medicare Parts A and B?” The answer depends on the size of the group. Read More »

Three Hospitals to Leave BlueCross65 Select Network at Year's End

Three provider hospitals have decided to leave the BlueCross65 Select network at the end of 2009. The departure will reduce the list of providers for BlueCross65 Select, a Medicare supplement product which is no longer available for new members. Read More »

Creditable Coverage Certificate Speeds BlueCross65 Application Process

When you submit BlueCross65 applications for your clients, you want the process to be quick and easy, and so do we. You can greatly reduce the amount of time your clients will have to wait for coverage by including a creditable coverage certificate with BlueCross65 applications.
Read More »

Special HSA messages from
Wells Fargo & First Horizon

Wells Fargo: Building a Better HSA – with Help from You

Earlier this year, Wells Fargo hosted our annual Health Savings Account (HSA) customer and broker advisory councils. The goal was to bring together healthcare professionals to discuss HSA trends and provide feedback on the Wells Fargo HSA. Read More »

First Horizon Expects HSA Demand to Increase

If early indicators hold true, more of your clients will ask you to tell them about high-deductible health plans and HSAs. Not only are employers increasingly concerned about how to control healthcare costs, this current health reform debate has drawn greater public attention to these plans and their advantages to employers and their employees. Read More »