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Contacting BCBSNC Customer Service

Published on February 7, 2007 in BCBSNC. 2 Comments Tags: .

After you are officially enrolled with a BCBSNC health-plan, BCBSNC will provide a comprehensive Member Guide mailed to the enrollee’s home address. The Member Guide includes detailed information about your specific benefits and covered services.
Additional information is available by contacting Customer Service toll-free at 1-877-258-3334, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Additionally, BCBSNC provides valuable information and services on this Web site. You can either surf the site for the information you need or log on to My Member Services to access and change your member information instantly. With My Member Services, you can accomplish the following:

  • Request up to two new ID cards
  • Update your policy’s contact information
  • Review your claim status
  • Check eligibility for benefits for you and your family members included on your policy
  • Access a brief benefit summary that includes copayment amounts, coinsurance percentages, deductible amounts and how much of your deductible has been paid
    BCBSNC’s Customer Service representatives are available to answer calls at 1-877-258-3334, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

With this same number, you also have the option of using the Customer Service voice response unit. This automated service helps you to order customer materials such as claim forms and ID cards or to change your address. The line can also service routine customer requests automatically during and after normal business hours. Members can utilize this service during the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Sunday.

For greater speed and convenience, visit My Member Services. This online service allows you to access and change your member information without having to call Customer Service. Through My Member Services, you can:

  • Request up to two new ID cards
  • Update your policy’s contact information when your address, phone number or e-mail address changes
  • Review claim status.
  • Check eligibility for benefits for you and your family members included on your policy
  • Access a brief benefit summary that includes copayment amounts, coinsurance percentages, deductible amounts and how much of your deductible has been paid

You can change your name or address in several ways:

  • Complete Sections A and B of an Enrollment and Change Application available through Customer Service or your employer
  • Contact Customer Service at 1-877-258-3334
  • Log on to our Web site at bcbsnc.com and access My Member Services (With My Member Services you can request up to two new ID cards or update your policy’s contact information when your address, phone number or e-mail address changes.)

BCBSNC’s Customer Service representatives are available to answer calls at 1-877-258-3334, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. You may also utilize the voice response unit on the Customer Service line, or log on to My Member Services to complete a number of Customer Service transactions.

For the most up-to-date provider information, access our online Provider Search. Here, providers are located by name, specialty, county or zip code. The Provider Search information is updated weekly.

You can also contact Customer Service at 1-877-258-3334 for assistance in locating a provider or to obtain a paper copy of a directory. Many employers stock directories in their Benefits Department.

Your prescription drug benefit offers an open formulary, which means no drugs are considered non-formulary. If your prescription drug benefit is based on copayments, the formulary can help you determine your copayment for a specific drug. It also provides a list of possible therapeutic alternatives that may be available at a lower copayment. If your prescription drug benefit is based on coinsurance, the formulary can help you identify any low cost generic drugs that are available. For more formulary information, visit our Prescription Drug Search.

If you would like an updated copy of the formulary, free of charge, please call Customer Service at 1-877-258-3334. Don’t forget, you should bring your copy of the formulary when you visit the doctor.

(In some cases, employer groups carve out the prescription drug benefit and contract with a vendor separately. Please refer to your Member Guide to confirm that your pharmacy benefits are offered through BCBSNC.)

Will BCBSNC Help Pay for Laser Tattoo Removal?

Published on February 4, 2007 in BCBSNC and Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , .

People like to get tattoos when they are younger and sometimes do so for stupid reasons. Often, after ten years of so of having a tattoo, the person may decide they don’t want it any more. There are many reasons that a person may want to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps they have a named of an old lover tattooed on them, or they have a gang tattoo that there are no longer associated with. Some people have tattoos in places that will prevent them from getting a job they want. Some people might also have a tattoo that symbolizes hate or racism, and they no longer feel this way. Whatever the reason is, there are methods of tattoo removal out there.

Laser tattoo removal is one option for people considering the removal of a tattoo which is the most common method of tattoo removal. Laser removal involves targeting the tattooed area with pulses of concentrated light that will in turn break the ink fragments up into tiny particles which are then removed by you’re immune system. This process does not happen after one session, however, and the more treatment you have, the more likely the laser will destroy the ink. However, the more treatments you have also means heightened damage done to your skin. Excess treatments can lead to blistering of the skin, painful sores on your skin, scabs and even scarring.
Since technology has advanced so much, the risks of skin damage have become minimal and many experts say it is very rare for scaring to occur. However, there is always some risk involved. Laser tattoo removal can be quite painful, as some people have described it as feeling like being splattered with hot grease. Laser tattoo removal can also hurt your wallet though. Depending on the size and detail of your tattoo, you might need to have up to ten sessions in order to fully remove all of the ink. Each session costs in the range of $250 to $850.

There are many other options for you to consider before you decide if laser tattoo removal is right for you. No method is 100% effective and guaranteed, but many will get you the results that will satisfy you. Laser removal is one of the best treatments for removing a tattoo, but remember, if you have a large colorful tattoo, you may spend thousands of dollars on treatment and it will not even be fully removed.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) offers special discounts only, not insurance coverage because laser tatoo removal is a cosmetic procedure. Cosmetic Surgery Blue is BCBSNC’s information and discount resource for cosmetic surgery. Through this program, eligible BCBSNC members can receive a discount on cosmetic surgery procedures at participating Cosmetic Surgery Blue network physicians across North Carolina. Cosmetic Surgery Blue also provides a convenient online resource that gives you easy access to information about cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery Blue is designed to discount services that are not typically covered by insurance. Examples of these types of services include rhinoplasty, facelifts and liposuction. Members will receive a 15% flat rate discount on the physician’s regular surgical fees. Since cosmetic surgery charges are typically divided into three parts (surgery, anesthesia and facility), your discount will apply to the surgery portion only. If you have further questions on what is and is not covered, consult your participating Cosmetic Surgery Blue physician.

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a decision that requires careful thought and preparation. If you have your initial consultation but ultimately decide not to have the procedure, your Cosmetic Surgery Blue 15% discount will still apply to the initial consultation fee. Even better, if you do decide to have the procedure, the entire initial consultation fee is applied toward the total cost of your surgery. Either way, you save money.

In order to be participate, Cosmetic Surgery Blue network physicians must have the following qualifications:

  1. Must be a credentialed BCBSNC plastic surgeon
  2. Must be a member of one of the following two leading plastic surgery organizations:
    • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
    • The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
  3. If the Cosmetic Surgery Blue participating physician has a surgical suite within their office, it must be licensed or accredited by one of the following:
    • The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)
    • The merican Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)
    • The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)
    • The State Licensure for North Carolina Ambulatory Surgical Facilities

Avoiding and Treating Migraines

Published on February 2, 2007 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

When a migraine hits you unexpectedly and you are desperate to rid yourself of the migraine here are some tips that will help you control the migraine and get back to your lives.

Treating a Migraine

Its best to take a break and relax to ease your mind. Take a pain reliever that is guaranteed not to make you drowsy. The pain reliever can take up to half an hour to begin working on reliever your pain. Although the pain may not be completely gone you will have had some time at this point to adjust to the discomfort of the pain for the time being.

If a migraine should occur while driving it is best to pull over to a rest stop and try to rest for a few minutes. A migraine can cause you to lose your side vision temporarily, see white spots, or even color blind you for the moment. If there is another person in the vehicle with you that is able to drive it is best to have them do so.

Always take the safety of yourself and others in to account in these situations. If these migraines persist it is best to see a doctor.

Defining Migraines

A migraine is caused by a chemical imbalance in your body. If there is a high amount of a certain chemical flowing through your body your blood veins will shrink, and will not cause you any pain. If your body is lacking a certain chemical or has a low amount of chemical in the body then your blood veins will swell, causing pressure to build up that can be very painful. This is when you know you have a migraine.

There are many things that can cause a migraine. Light, sound, smells, and foods are just a few things that can trigger a migraine. The only clue your body can give you that you are about have a migraine is through abnormal weakness, being depressed, or sometimes having a sudden burst of abnormal energy.

You should take a migraine seriously because it could lead to serious illness and physical problems such as side vision loss or color blindness.

If you get reoccurring migraines you should seek medical attention as soon as possible so that the problem can be resolved.

Common Causes of Migraines and Headaches

  • stress
  • fatigue
  • dental problems
  • missed meals
  • hormonal changes
  • changes in barometric pressure or altitude
  • alcohol
  • food
    • chocolate, cheese, onions, citrus, eggplant, bay leaf, chili, cinnamon, fried or fatty foods, and pickled or processed foods
  • certain food additives (MSG and coloring or flavor enhancers)
  • caffeine
  • eye strain
  • muscle tension

Keeping a Migraine Diary

Often when you continue to get migraines a doctor will suggest that when you begin to get one you should start documenting what you did before, during, and at the end of your migraine. This is to see if there are patterns that are causing migraines and what might be helping you rid yourself of the pain. Here are some of the things you should be noting in your migraine diary.

  1. First document the date and time of your migraine attack down to the minute
  2. What is the severity of your attack: mild, moderate, sever, etc.
  3. Where the pain is located: left, right, or both sides of the head
  4. What type of pain is it: throbbing, Non-stop, on and off, dull, etc.
  5. What are some of the symptoms: nausea, vomiting, sensitivities to light, sound or smell, etc.
  6. Did you have any warning signs/auras and what were they?
  7. Your environment: everything about it including weather, allergies from environment, strong smells, loud noises, lighting, etc.
  8. What you ate or drank from when you woke up to the actual attack, and if you ate or drank anything during the attack and if it helped or made it worse.
  9. Was there any stress or stress related thing from the day or days before that may have lead up to the attack?
  10. Also you may include if there was any depression and where it may have came from.
  11. Also if you have been taking any medications document what kind or brand and the dosage. Write why you were taking the medication and the affect it had on you.

Copyright © 2006 www.TriggerOptics.com

Obtaining coverage for Gastric Bypass Surgery with BCBSNC

Published on February 1, 2007 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Gastric bypass surgery is a common form of weight loss surgery that results in outstanding weight loss with minimal side effects. But once you undergo the gastric bypass surgery procedure you have to accept lifelong changes in your diet. The post-diet of gastric bypass surgery includes an adequate intake of protein, taking vitamin and mineral supplements including multivitamin, iron and calcium, B12 and avoiding sweets and fatty foods.

BCBSNC Covers Gastric Bypass Surgery for those eligible

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) covers gastric bypass surgery; the requirements for coverage is listed below. Please inquire further to confirm your eligibility to be covered for gastric bypass surgery.

Surgery for Morbid Obesity is covered when all six of the following criteria are met:

  1. The patient must have morbid obesity as defined below:
    1. have a BMI > 40 or
    2. have a BMI > 35 associated with at least one of the following problems:
      1. The obesity interferes with daily function to the extent that performance is severely curtailed(i.e., impending job loss or job loss with documented disability); or
      2. The obesity causes incapacitating physical trauma as documented by the medical historyrecords including x-ray findings and other diagnostic test results; or
      3. There is significant respiratory insufficiency or sleep apnea documented by respiratory function studies, blood gases, sleep studies, etc.; or
      4. There is significant circulatory insufficiency documented by objective measurements; or
      5. There is documentation that management of primary diseases such as arteriosclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, etc., is significantly (e.g. requiring prescription drug treatment) complicated by morbid obesity; AND
  2. Morbid obesity (BMI > 35 associated with at least one of the problems listed in A.1.b. or BMI > 40) has been present for four of the previous five years; AND
  3. The patient has no specifically correctable cause for the obesity, e.g., an endocrine disorder; AND
  4. Patient has achieved full growth (for adolescents-bone age shows closure of epiphyseal plates); AND
  5. A thorough evaluation (see Policy Guidelines section) has been documented to assess the patient’s suitability for surgery and their ability to comply with lifelong follow up; AND
  6. Surgery for morbid obesity is eligible for coverage when it is part of a comprehensive pre-surgical, surgicaland post-surgical program (see Policy Guidelines Section).

Types of gastric bypass surgery

In gastric bypass surgery, the surgeon takes off a large portion of the stomach leaving behind a tiny pouch. It is this small pouch that prevents overdose of eating as it can take very less amount of food. Moreover, with large parts of your stomach and small intestine bypassed, most of the nutrients and calories in the food do not get absorbed at all. This helps the person from gaining excess weight.

There are several types of bypass surgery operations:

  • Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RGB) – this is a common surgery where a small stomach pouch is created by stapling part of the stomach together or by vertical banding. This reduces the amount of food to be taken. Then a Y-shaped section of the small intestine is attached to the pouch to allow food to bypass the duodenum as well as the first portion of jejunum. This causes reduced calorie and rapid nutrient absorption.
  • Extensive gastric bypass (biliopancreatic diversion) – in this complicated surgery, the lower portion of the stomach is removed. The small pouch that remains connected to the final segment of the small intestine completely bypasses both duodenum and jejunum.

People who undergo gastric bypass surgery always lose two-thirds of their excess weight within two years.

Risks of gastric bypass surgery

Gastric bypass surgery causes “dumping syndromes” where the stomach contents move too rapidly through the small intestine. The usual symptoms of gastric bypass surgeries include weakness, sweating, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, as well as inability to eat sweets.

People who undergo this procedure are at risk of:

  • Band erosion – the band closing off part of the stomach disintegrates
  • Pouch stretching – stomach gets bigger overtime, stretching back to its normal size before surgery
  • Leakage of stomach contents into the abdomen (acid can eat away other organs)
  • Nutritional deficiencies causing health problems
  • Breakdown of staple lines – band and staple fall apart, reversing procedure
    Gastric bypass diet

Gastric bypass diet helps the patients to drop 50% to 90% of their overall excess fats. The diet is designed to bring about significant weight loss. It basically includes foods that are high in protein and low in fat, fiber, calories, and sugar. You should have lots of vitamins and minerals. Iron, vitamin, folate and calcium are the best nutrients for patients undergoing gastric bypass surgery.

You can undergo gastric bypass surgery only if you have been obese for at least 5 years, do not have a history of alcohol abuse, and do not possess untreated depression and range between the ages 18 to 65.

Avoiding Temptations and Turning Diets into Lifestyle changes

Published on January 31, 2007 in Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

How many times have we started a new diet with the very best of intentions? We pick a program and make long-term goals that can are impossible to reach within the short period of time that our impatient selves allow. Most diets tend to fail within a few weeks because we look at the scales which do not reflect the progress we expect from our long-term goals.

After a while, we build doubt and begin to lose focus on our overall objective. Eventually look for an excuse to cheat. You ask yourself, “Why?”

It has been proven that those who diet 14 days as free of temptation as possible will ultimately give you the best chance of weight loss success.

So, what are the alternatives? At the grocery store you find “Fat Free” and “Low Calorie” snacks that you know are bad for you. And then you decide to celebrate and you limit yourself to a treat because you “deserve it”.

It’s not like we need to someone to hold our hand into temptation. It surely doesn’t help that there is a fast food restaurant on every corner. Our low-carb brain tells us to order a bun-less cheeseburger or grilled chicken salad with a Diet Coke (we are on a diet, aren’t we?).

Why do we do this to ourselves? It’s almost like we want to fail.

Personally, I think it’s akin to the emotional reasons we eat, whether we are actually hungry or not. The next time you’re standing in front of the fridge, door swung wide open, staring in a blank trance as if some magical zero-cal or zero-carb delicious delight will suddenly appear.

So what’s the solution? Plain and simple: short-term goals. Instead of long-term goals and goals that are built around results, plan action goals similar to “walking an hour a day” or “no eating after dinner“. Lifestyle changes are the key to results.

Prior Approval is now needed for some imaging procedures

Published on January 29, 2007 in BCBSNC and Health and Wellness. 0 Comments Tags: .

In an effort to control medical costs, under the benefits of certain plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) the following diagnostic imaging services that are received in an outpatient setting, such as in your doctor’s office, the outpatient department of a hospital or at a freestanding imaging center may require prior plan approval (for dates of service on or after February 15, 2007):

  • CT/CTA scans
  • MRI/MRA scans
  • PET scans
  • Nuclear cardiology studies

Prior plan approval is not required when these procedures are performed in an emergency room, hospital (related to an inpatient stay), mobile unit, urgent care center or ambulatory surgical center.

Prior plan approval is not needed for “low-tech�? procedures such as X-rays and mammograms. To learn if your plan requires prior plan approval for these services, review the diagnostic imaging section of your policy documentation.

CT scan: Computed tomography (CT) scan uses x-ray imaging to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body.

CTA scan:Computed tomography angiogram (CTA) scan uses x-ray imaging to make detailed pictures of blood vessels inside the body. It is a type of computed tomography (CT) scan.

MRI scan: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body.

MRA scan:A magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to provide pictures of blood vessels inside the body. It is a type of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan.

PET scan: Positron emission tomography (PET) is a test that uses a special type of camera and special nuclear medicine to look at organs in the body.

Prior plan approval is not required for diagnostic imaging procedures in emergency or urgent care situations (meaning the absence of medical attention could jeopardize the patient’s life, health or ability to regain maximum function) or when they are performed in an emergency room, hospital (related to an inpatient or observation stay), mobile unit, urgent care center or ambulatory surgical center.

How to Switch Your Blue Advantage to Blue Options HSA

Published on January 24, 2007 in BCBSNC. 0 Comments Tags: , .

Blue Advantage to Blue Options HSABlue Options HSA is a new way to pay for health care. This plan pairs a high deductible PPO heath plan with a health savings account (HSA). The high deductible health plan allows you to pay lower premiums than a traditional plan while still enjoying the security of protection against high medical bills. The HSA allows you to access significant tax savings and can be used to pay for current and future medical expenses tax-free. When your balance reaches a certain amount, you can also choose to invest in a selection of mutual funds.

  • Lower premiums
  • Tax savings now and in the future
  • The option to invest in mutual funds

Blue Options HSA is built around BCBSNC’s most popular plan, the PPO. And with Blue Options HSA, you have access to the largest provider network in the state and the freedom to go outside that network. You also have access to specialists without referral, coverage when you travel and BCBSNC as your health care partner.

At a nonparticipating provider, your out–of–pocket cost may be higher and, if your benefits have started, you may have to file a claim. When you visit a network provider after your benefits become active, you will not have to file a claim.

  • In and out–of–network coverage
  • Access to the largest provider network in the state
  • The freedom to see specialists without referral
  • Coverage across the nation and worldwide
  • BCBSNC as your health care partner

Enhanced preventive care benefits

Preventive care is vital to your health and safety. That’s why we’ve made sure you’re covered for a variety of preventive care services, even before your deductible is met. Just visit your provider like you normally would and show your BCBSNC ID card. You’re covered at 100% when you receive the following preventive care services in an in-network office setting:

  • Immunizations and well-baby and well-child care (excluding diagnostic tests and screenings)
  • The first office visit (excluding diagnostic tests and screenings) each benefit period for routine physical exams, gynecological exams and the evaluation and treatment of obesity.
  • The following first preventive care diagnostic test and screening each benefit period (excluding related office visits except as noted above) for the following:
    • Cervical cancer screening
    • Ovarian cancer screening
    • Screening mammograms
    • Colo-rectal screening
    • Prostate specific antigen tests
    • Newborn vision and hearing screening
    • Cholesterol and lipid screening
    • Bone mass measurement screening
    • Hemoglobin test

Additional covered preventive care services and/or diagnostic tests and screenings, including those not listed above, are subject to deductible and coinsurance.

It is Easy to Switch From Blue Advantage to a HSA

Just call 1-800-639-4325 and one of our licenced agents guide you through the process.

Save On Generic Drugs with BCBSNC

Published on January 23, 2007 in BCBSNC. 0 Comments Tags: , .

What is the difference between generic and brand-name drugs and how does that difference affect my benefits?

Answer: A generic drug is identical, or bioequivalent, to a brand name drug in dosage form, safety, strength, route of administration, quality, performance characteristics and intended use. Certain inactive ingredients that give the generic product its shape, color or flavor may be different than the brand product. Health professionals and consumers can be assured that FDA approved generic drugs have met the same rigid standards as the innovator drug. Although generic drugs are chemically identical to their branded counterparts, they are typically sold at substantial discounts from the branded price.

Depending upon your benefit design, you may substantially lower your out-of-pocket expense by using a generic drug instead of the branded drug. For example, if you have a $10 generic copay (tier 1) and $35 non-preferred brand copay (tier 3), you can save $25 on every prescription just by choosing generics. For drugs you take each month, that’s a savings of $300 over an entire year. If your prescription drug benefit is based on coinsurance, generic drugs will save you money because they cost less than their branded counterparts.(In some cases, employer groups carve out the prescription drug benefit and contract with a vendor separately, please refer to your Member Guide to confirm that your pharmacy benefits are offered through BCBSNC.)

HSA Provisions in the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006

Published on January 21, 2007 in Health Insurance. 0 Comments Tags: .

The House of Representatives approved the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 (H.R. 6111) (“the Act”) on December 8, and it was approved by the Senate on December 9. President Bush signed the Act into law on December 20, 2006. Most provisions apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2006.

Note: Read the following provisions carefully. Some have applications to both our Blue Options HSA product for Groups and Blue Options HSA for Individuals, while others may apply to our group product only.

The Act provides for the following:

  • Modifies the limit on contributions to HSAs. Currently, HSA maximum
    contributions are limited to the lesser of (i) 100% of the annual deductible limit of the high deductible health plan (HDHP) or (ii) $2,850 (self-only) and $5,650 (family coverage) for 2007. Under the new provision, eligible individuals will be able to contribute up to $2,850 (self-only) and $5,650 (family coverage) for 2007, regardless of the annual deductible amount.
  • Allows individuals who become covered by a HDHP mid-year to contribute up to the full annual limit. Currently, if an employee or individual joins an HDHP mid- year, the maximum amount they can contribute to the HSA must be prorated for the months the employee did not have HDHP coverage as of the first day of the month. Under the new provision, an employee who becomes eligible for a HDHP mid-year
    may make a full HSA contribution for the year. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includible in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the date of contribution. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Permits transfer of balance from an FSA or HRA to an HSA. Currently, funds may not be transferred from an FSA or an HRA to an HSA. Under the new provisions, the employer may allow for a one-time transfer from an FSA or an HRA. The maximum balance that may be transferred is the lesser of the balance of the account as of September 21, 2006 or the balance on the date of the transfer. The transfer may be made on or after December 20, 2006 until January 1, 2012. The transferred amount is not subject to maximum contributions limits. If allowed by the employer it must be allowed for all employees. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includible in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the transfer date. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Permits a one-time transfer from an IRA to an HSA. Currently, funds may not be transferred from an IRA to an HSA. Under the new provision, the employee or individual may chose to have a one-time rollover from an IRA to an HSA. The amount of the rollover is subject to the maximum HSA contribution limit for the year. However, the contributions made for the months preceding their HDHP eligibility may be includes in gross income and subject to a 10% additional tax if the employee or individual loses eligibility for the HDHP during the 13 months following the transfer date. The tax would be incurred during the taxable year of the month the employee loses eligibility.
  • Requires earlier announcement of Cost of Living Adjustments applicable to HSAs. Annual cost of living adjustments (used to index HDHP minimum deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and contribution maximums) will be announced by June 1 of each year.
  • Permits higher HSA contributions for non-highly compensated employees. The new provision provides an exception to the requirements that employers must provide comparable HSA contributions to all employees, permitting employers to make higher contribution for non-highly compensated employees.
  • Allows coverage under a health FSA during the “2 1/2 Month Grace Period” to be disregarded for eligible employees who have a zero balance in their HSA for the previous year. If an employee has an FSA grace period of 2-1/2 months or less at the beginning of the plan year, the new provision provides that if an eligible employee has a zero balance in their FSA (either through depletion or through a transfer of the balance to an HSA) the employee may contribute to their HSA during the grace period. This provision is effective December 20, 2006.

If you have any questions, please refer to the Department of Treasury web site at http://www.treasury.gov or contact your BCBSNC representative.

Welcome to the 1-800 New Health Blog

Published on January 21, 2007 in Site News. 0 Comments Tags: .

1-800 New Health Blog1-800NewHealth.com was started by two brothers, Blair and Scott Ashcraft, as a new consumer tool to help people know their choices and navigate through the decision making process of buying the right health insurance protection.

1-800NewHealth.com is your trusted online source for researching, comparing, and purchasing individual and family health insurance.

We provide:

  • Best selection of quality plans. Representing all major carriers.
  • Competitive Prices. Rates directly from insurance carriers.
  • Cost-Free. Our service is free to you.
  • Representation. We have your best interests in mind.
  • Convenience. 24/7 self-serving internet technology.
  • Professional Advisory Service, 24/7, by dialing 1-800NewHealth (1-800 639-4325)

We have 30 years of combined experience helping consumers and employers take the guesswork out of choosing health insurance. We are an independent agency with an extensive staff and qualified agents that work for you, not the insurance company. We represent a carefully selected group of the top insurance companies including Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).

Our specialty is in the health insurance products as well as ancillary products such as Life, dental, disability income and retirement. Our firm exists on a foundation of ethics that helps to guide us every day. Throughout our history, we have adhered to guiding principles and essential values which are based on traditions of quality and integrity – principles which remain integral to our agency character. As a firm, we live by five core values: Integrity with Honesty, Passion, Accountability, Service to Others, and Professionalism.