Health Insurance Blog

According to the article “Blue Cross Says It Will Cover Swine Flu Vaccine” by Shelia M. Poole on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s website, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia announced this week that it will include the H1N1 virus, also known as the Swine Flu, in its flu vaccine coverages.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia has 3 million members so this is a huge benefit to the state.  They will be covering clinician’s fees and doctor visits for those receiving the H1N1 vaccination.  October is the expected date for the vaccine to be available according to health officials. 

Health care workers, emergency staff, pregnant women, healthy patients between 6 mos and 24 years, those living with children under 6 mos, and people ages 25-64 who are at high risk for illness due to health disorders are the first groups recommended to get the vaccine according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. 

Spokeswoman for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia, Cheryl Monkhouse, states that the majority of their policyholders have vaccine coverage so this offer will be beneficial to many of their customers.

Miami-Dade county in Florida has teamed up with Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance of Florida for a very unique partnership according to the article “Dade, Blue Cross offer health plan” by John Dorschner on miamiherald.com.  Currently there are around 600,000 uninsured in Miami-Dade county and leaders felt something needed to be done to fix this. 

Janet Perkins with the Office of Countywide Healthcare Planning believes this is a cutting edge program for Florida health insurance and a national model.  It’s called Miami-Dade Blue and it’s a revolutionary option to offer affordable health insurance to the uninsured.  This special health insurance would cost a healthy 35 year old man around $100 which is extremely low.  This concept was first a vision of Commissioner Joe Martinez from about 5 years ago.  He said it’s been a long, hard road, but he’s truly excited and good things can come from this plan. 

There are some concerns over the benefits of the program.  Some insurance brokers believe the benefits may not be as good as most popular plans which may cause a problem as policyholders file claims.  One of the major challenges was getting providers to take discounted prices.  Approximately 1,500 doctors have agreed to be included in the Miami-Dade Blue network which is a great start in the right direction.

BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) published a memo on their website that covers where they stand on the much talked about health care reform debate going on in Washington.  BCBSTX does believe strongly that health care reform is in fact needed and affordable health insurance should be available to all Americans. 

On the table currently is Obama’s plan to have a government run insurance plan to compete with private insurers.  BCBSTX believes a government run plan would eventually push out private insurers and eliminate the benefits of competition.  This could lead to a system where government controls access to health care as well as sets all payments.

BCBSTX supports a plan that would require health insurance companies to give coverage to all applicants.  They believe this will only work if every American is required by law to have health insurance.  They also support research to determine which medical advancements are most worth while determined by an independent entity.

For more information on where BCBSTX stands on the health care reform debate visit their website. 

On BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois’ website they have details on a new Illinois health insurance law that went into effect on June 1st.  The Young Adult Dependent Coverage Law states that if you have dependents meeting certain criteria  you may be able to extend their coverage under your current health insurance policy.

Some eligibility requirements for non-military dependents include:

1. Must be under the age of 26
2. Unmarried
3. Do not have to be enrolled as a full time student

Some eligibility requirements for military veteran dependents:

1. Must be under the age of 30
2. Unmarried
3. Do not have to be enrolled as a full time student
4. Illinois resident
5. Must receive a discharge other than dishonorable

Dependent coverage change doesn’t apply to everyone.  Additional eligibility requirements may apply.  If you have questions contact BCBSIL if you are a member.  If you have coverage under your employer’s health plan, contact your group administrator.

Getting Blue Cross health insurance quotes can save you money as well as give you the option to use a mail service pharmacy.  Mail service pharmacy is designed for Blue Cross members who take maintenance medications regularly to treat ongoing conditions.

Mail service offers money saving benefits such as discounted drugs for buying bulk.  For example, a 90-day supply can often cost as much as a 30 or 60 day supply depending on the drug.  Mail service will save you time since you make fewer trips to the pharmacy and in some cases eliminating going to the drugstore altogether.  Safety is ensured as the mail service uses technologically advanced systems to dispense drugs and is checked for accuracy.  Medications are delivered in secure, unmarked packages.  This is a great option for patients suffering from chronic conditions and who want to save time and money.

Are you a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield or have you gotten a Blue Cross Blue Shield quote to become a member?  If you are a member you may be eligible for their healthier living plan called Blue365. 

This is another example of companies trying to make us healthier and hopefully it will pay off over the years.  Blue365 gives members access to educational information, tools and guides to healthier living, discounts on health programs and special products from well known companies.  Blue Cross Blue Shield hopes this program encourages members to make healthy choices every day of the year and by offering this support they sure make it easier.