Broker News Archive

01/12/2023

• Federal, State Requests for Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Compliance

• IMPORTANT—CAA & Transparency in Coverage Updates

• Update on End-of-Year HSA Communications from Further

• New Vision Plan Options

• Pyramid Analytics Sunset/MicroStrategy Rollout

• Broker Service Phone Line Closure

01/26/2023

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Promotional Tools for Accounts

• 2023 Employee Assistance Program Rates Available

02/09/2023

• 51+ Product Portfolio Optimization & Training Updates

• 2022 Tax Forms Now Available on Further’s Member Portal

02/23/2023

• 1095 Tax Forms Mailed in February

• Humira Biosimilar, Amjevita, Now Available

03/01/2023

• RxDC Reporting Update Due June 1, 2023

03/17/2023

• RxDC Reporting Due June 1—Frequently Asked Questions

03/23/2023

• CareFirst Earns World’s Most Ethical Designation for Eleventh Year

• New and Enhanced Programs Through CareFirst WellBeing^SM

01/20/2022

• Blue Distinction Specialty Care-New Member and Account Materials

• Mark Your Calendar! Employee Assistance Program Training

• Full-Time Equivalent Filing Instructions

02/03/2022

• Behavioral Health Digital Resource Email Campaign

• Fully Insured Blue High Performance Network^SM (BlueHPN^SM) Products Available

02/17/2022

• CareFirst Enhances Stop Loss Product with Experience Refund Rider

03/03/2022

• Behavioral Health Digital Resource Email Campaign

• New High-Risk Pregnancy Materials Available

03/17/2022

• CareFirst Earns World’s Most Ethical Designation for Tenth Year

• Live Webinar, March 21 - The Prescription for Affordable Drugs

• New PDF Functionality for Broker Express Users

03/31/2022

• April BHDR Email Encourages Members to Give Back

• 1095 Tax Forms Mailed in February

04/14/2022

• Introducing Our New Brand Campaign: “With Care” Watch it here via YouTube

• New High-Risk Pregnancy Materials Available

04/28/2022

• 2022 Rx Enhancements – Effective 6/1/22

• No Surprises Act – Retiree-Only Plans

• Retroactivity Policy

05/26/2022

• May BHDR Email Recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month

• BenefitFocus Enrollment Update

06/09/2022

• Launch of Small Group Hybrid Sales Team

• Transparency in Coverage: Machine-Readable Files

06/23/2022

• 2023 Health Savings Account and Compliant Health Plan Limits

06/30/2022

• Consolidated Appropriations Act Updates

07/07/2022

• July Behavioral Health Digital Resource Email Recognizes Importance of Self-Care

07/21/2022

• Travel Reimbursement Benefit Update

• ACH Changes for BlueFund Accounts

• Care Reminders Campaign Account Opt-Out Deadline is July 28

08/04/2022

• 988—The New Hotline for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• August BHDR Email Reminds Us to Practice Mindfulness

• Searchlight and Account Insights Updates

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization and Site of Care Management Lists

08/18/2022

• Medical Loss Ratio Rebate Mailings

09/01/2022

• September Behavioral Health Digital Resource Email About Happiness

09/08/2022

• Johns Hopkins Medicine Termination Notice

09/15/2022

• Enhanced Virtual Care Benefit, Virtual Connect, to Launch in 2023

• Coming Soon: CareFirst WellBeing

• Introducing WellSet

• Introducing Memento

• Maryland Expands Access to Abortion Care

• Maryland and DC Expand Affordability and Access for Members with Diabetes

• Medicare Modernization Act and Disclosure of Creditable vs. Non-Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage

• CareFirst Hub Open Enrollment Completion Enhancement

10/13/2022

• MACo Summer Conference Highlights

• October BHDR Email Focuses on Thriving

• Updated Vaccine Network Fliers

• Rx Fundamentals Program Update

10/27/2022

• Live Webinar, October 31—Keeping your Secrets Safe

• CAA Update: Prescription Drug and Healthcare Spending Reports

• Notifications to 51+ Risk Accounts

• November BHDR Email Focuses on Gratitude

11/10/2022

• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield’s Engagement Center is Now Open

• Type 2 Diabetic Benefit Changes for ACA Standard Plans – Effective January 1, 2023

• 2023 Pharmacy Management Strategy

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization and Site of Care Management Lists—Effective January 1, 2023

• Important End-of-Year Information for Members with FSA Accounts

• BlueFund Accounts: Email Platform Change Announced

• Dental and Vision Rate Changes

• 2023 Small Group Updates

• CareFirst Producer Manual & Small Group Eligibility Guidelines Updated

11/21/2022

• National Vaccine Network Update – Effective December 1, 2022

12/6/2022

• 2022/2023 Vitality Now Available

• Commercial General and Privacy Liability Validations

• December BHDR Email Focuses on Advice to Beat Your Holiday Blues

• 2023 Index Figures, PHE, Notice 2022-41, and Compliance Reminder for Cafeteria Plans

• Consumer Direct ACA Standalone Dental Plan BlueDental Preferred Waiting Periods

12/22/2022

• CareFirst WellBeing Launching January 1, 2023

• CAA Update: Prescription Drug and Healthcare Spending Reports

12/21/2021

• Blue Rewards Incentive Program Available to Individual/Consumer Direct Market

• Behavioral Health Digital Resource Email Campaign

• CareFirst Implements My Account Login Security Enhancements

12/9/2021

• Individual Dental HMO Product No Longer Marketed

• Behavioral Health Digital Resource: New Promotional Materials Available

• Behavioral Health Digital Resource Rollout Training Webinar

• CareFirst offers Employer Group Medicare Advantage Plans

• Promoting CareFirst’s Suite of Virtual Care Options

• CareFirst Implements New Payment Integrity Activities

• Implementing a COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

11/18/2021

• 2022 Pharmacy Management Strategy

11/11/2021

• The New EOB is Here!

• Account Insights Reporting Tool Video and Landing Pages

• HealthEquity Finalizes Acquisition of Further

• Find-A-Doctor Website Makes Search Entry Points More Visible and Intuitive

• New Plan Options Available for 51+ Groups

• 2022 Rx Enhancements

10/28/2021

• No Surprises Act

• Registration is Still Open for Behavioral Health Digital Resource Training

• CareFirst Updates on the Rx Fundamentals Program

• Updated Vaccine Network Fliers

• Individual Open Enrollment Extended for 2022

• Dental and Vision Rate Changes

10/14/2021

• Better Together Raises $1.2M to Support COVID-19 Vaccination Effort

• Find-A-Doctor Website Introduces New Look and Feel

• Mark Your Calendar! Behavioral Health Digital Resource

• 2021 Rx Enhancements - Effective 12/2/21

• Urgent Care Cost Increase for CareFirst Video Visit

09/30/2021

• Update - HealthEquity to Acquire Further

• Coming Soon: The New, Improved EOB

• Video Visit Fall Enrollment Campaign Paused

• Medicare Modernization Act and Disclosure of Creditable vs. Non-Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage

09/16/2021

• CloseKnit Is Now Live!

• CareFirst and Highmark Partner to Launch Union Blue

• Employee Assistance Program, Now Powered by LifeWorks

• CareFirst Replaces Blue High Performance Network(SM) (BlueHPNSM)

• Coming Soon: New Behavioral Health Digital Resource

• COBRA Expanded Under American Rescue Plan

• The DC Insulin and Diabetes Device Affordability Amendment Act

09/03/2021

• Join Us and Special Guest, Dr. Ashish K. Jha M.D, M.P.H, on September 8th

• REMINDER: Ways to Double your New Business Bonus with CareFirst

08/19/2021

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization List 10/1/21

• Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebate Mailings

• 2022 Health Savings Account and Compliant Health Plan Limits

08/05/2021

• New CareFirst TV Ad Debuts During the Olympics

• CareFirst to Launch Hypertension Program Pilot

07/26/2021

• New COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar-Outlook Email

• Renewal Packet Changes

• COBRA Expanded Under American Rescue Plan

• New Day Campaign Launching for Members

06/24/2021

• Coming Soon: New COVID-19 Vaccination On-demand Webinar

• 2021 Vitality Mails to Subscribers this Month

• Diabetes Virtual Care Member Engagement Campaign

• Care Reminders Campaign Launch Update

06/10/2021

• Virtual Event June 22 - Reimagining the Workplace Post COVID

• CareFirst Launches Summer Video Visit Member Campaign

• Coming Soon! Expanded Opioid Support Content for Members

• 2021 Rx Enhancements - Upcoming Formulary Updates

• 2021 Rx Enhancements - Medical Pharmacy Management (MPM)

• Transforming Healthcare

• The Importance of Whole Health

05/27/2021

• Policy Virtual Event: Zooming in on Telehealth

• Find a Doctor Now Includes Over 1 Million Provider Reviews

• Effective January 1, 2021 – DC Special Enrollment Period for Pregnancy Life Event

05/13/2021

• CareFirst Expands Virtual Care Options for Members

• HealthEquity to Acquire Further

04/29/2021

• American Rescue Plan Premium Subsidy Expansion, Subscriber Communications

• COBRA Expanded Under American Rescue Plan

• SmartShopper Incentive Program Available to Virginia Small Groups

• Medical Pharmacy Management (MPM)

• Dental Un-Rounding Rates

04/15/2021

• Virginia HB1251 Opt-In Process Update

04/01/2021

• President Signs $1.9 Trillion COVID Relief Package, Including Individual Market and COBRA Subsidies

• CareFirst Hub Online Training

• Enhancements to Enrollment Data Process for Groups Using eExchange

• Transforming Healthcare

• CareFirst Video Visit Provider Filter

03/18/2021

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization List—Effective 5/1/21

• BlueFund and Blue Rewards Visa Debit Re—carding

• 1095 Tax Forms Mailed in February

03/04/2021

• CareFirst Earns World’s Most Ethical Designation for Ninth Year

• The Value of a Second Opinion

02/18/2021

• Live Webinar, February 24: “Reaching Immunity Takes A Community”

• Welcome Event for New Medicare Advantage Members on February 25

• New Account Insights Reporting Tool Launched on February 17

• Announcing the Specialty Copay Card Program

• CareFirst Launches 2021 Video Visit Member Campaign

02/04/2021

• Transforming Healthcare

• Enhanced Diabetes Cost-Share Benefit Member Flier

01/21/2021

• Medicare Advantage Plan Year Began January 1

• Pricing Increase for CareFirst Video Visit Services

12/21/2020

• Bundling Discounts Extension

• Costco Now In-Network for Vision

• Mid-Year Changes to Ancillary Coverage Impact Bundling Discounts

12/10/2020

• Transforming Healthcare

• Blue Rewards Program Change for 2021

• Rx Copays in Small Group Renewals and New Business Quotes

• CareFirst Broker News VA Mandate

• Updates to Broker Agreements for 2021

11/12/2020

• Transforming Healthcare

• Enhanced Diabetes Cost-Share Benefit Coming in 2021

• 2020 Rx Enhancements Medical Pharmacy Management (MPM)

• New BlueChoice Advantage Plans Available for 51+ Groups

• New CareFirst Formulary Offers Simplicity and Savings

• CareFirst Video Visit Marketing Campaign

• 2021 Pharmacy Management Strategy

10/29/2020

• Expert Consult Program Marketing Campaign Launches to Self-Insured Groups

10/15/2020

• Limited-Time New Business Broker Bonus Program for November - January

• Updated Commercial Enrollment Contact Information

• MD SB99: CareFirst to Reissue ID Cards Upon Renewal in 2021

• Maryland Small Group ACA Rating Change for COBRA and Maryland Continuation of Coverage

10/01/2020

• Davis Vision Announcement

• New Registration Process for Secure Email

• 2021 Small Group Updates

• Medicare Modernization Act and Disclosure of Creditable vs. Non-Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage

09/17/2020

• COVID-19 and Vaccinations for Babies, Children and Teens

• CareFirst Announces Value-Based Care Arrangement with MedStar

• Live Webinar to Help Employers Moderate Return to Work Risks

• Updated Vaccine Networks

• Targeted Member Care Reminders Campaign Update

09/03/2020

• New Reasons for Choosing CareFirst Flier Available for 51+ Employer Groups

• Targeted Member Care Reminders Campaign Update

08/20/2020

• Employer Return to Work Support and Resources

• CareFirst Extending Dental PPE Reimbursement and Stop Loss Coverage

• Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebate Mailings

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization List – Effective 10/1/20

• CareFirst and Davis Vision to Convert Wholesale Allowance Plans to Retail

• CareFirst to Exit Maryland Grandfathered Plans in the Small Group Market

08/06/2020

• New SmartDollar Financial Well-Being Program

• CareFirst Launches Diabetes Program Incentive Campaign

• Self-insured Contract and 30-Day Retroactive Termination Administrative Fee Change

07/23/2020

• Applications and Forms to Be Removed From Employer Portal

• Enhanced Monitoring Program Ending

• Non-Discrimination Artificial Insemination Emergency Bill

07/09/2020

• CareFirst to Offset Cost of Additional Dental Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Enhancements to My Account User Registration and Login Experience

• CareFirst to Offer Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans

06/25/2020

• Maryland Exchange Special Enrollment Period Extension

• 2020 Vitality Mails to Subscribers this Month

• Expert Consult Program

• CareFirst Launching Blue High Performance Network SM

• Some SmartShopper Fees Waived for New Self-Insured Accounts

• Mandated Benefit Updates Effective January 1, 2021

06/11/2020

• Coming Soon – Advocacy Service

05/28/2020

• New Minimum Value Plans Available for 51+ Groups

• Medications Added to Prior Authorization List Effective July 1

• Updates to Sharecare’s Scale Back Weight Management Program

• Additional Security Feature for Employer and Broker Portals

• Broker Portal/Hub Enhancements for the Small Group Market

05/14/2020

• 2020 Updates to Preventive Services

05/06/2020

• CareFirst Launches Diabetes Virtual Care Program.

• Diabetes Virtual Care Program

• Diabetes Virtual Care Launch - Email Template (Sales to Accounts)

• Meet Your New Health Program

There is no Broker News for the month of April

03/19/2020

• Coming Soon: New Virtual Diabetes Management Program

• Wellness Platform Updates

• New Online Options for CareFirst BlueVision Plus Members

03/09/2020

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Benefit Updates

• CareFirst Earns World’s Most Ethical Designation for Eighth Year

• New USPSTF Recommendation Regarding Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression

• 12 Medications Will Require Prior Authorization

• 2020 Dental Amendment

02/20/2020

• New Online Options for CareFirst BlueVision Plus Members

02/06/2020

• Legislative Sessions in Maryland, Virginia and D.C.

• 1095 Tax Forms to be Issued in February

01/23/2020

• President Signs Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Spending Package Including Cadillac Tax Repeal

• Federal Government Proposes Transparency in Coverage Rule

01/09/2020

• 2020 Rx Enhancements – Medical Pharmacy Management (MPM) and Site of Care Programs

12/12/2019

• 1099s to be Issued for Producer Service Fee Collection Agreements

• Find a Doctor and Treatment Cost Estimator (TCE) Enhancements

• Coming Soon – Craving to Quit Tobacco Cessation Program

• Further Launches Changes to Improve Service for Employer Groups

• New MedPlus High-Deductible Plan G, Campaign, and Tool for Selling

• Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Innovation Webinar on December 17

11/19/2019

• 2020 Pharmacy Management Strategy

11/14/2019

• 2020 Formularies Now Available

• California Wildfires - Member Access to Care and Prescription Medications

• Notice to November and December Renewal Groups

10/31/2019

• 2020 Exchange Formulary and Updated Vaccine Networks

• Changes to the 51+ Product Portfolio

• Issuance of 2020 Broker Contracts

• Completion Required: Producer Service Fee Collection Agreement

• MD Special Enrollment Period for Pregnancy Life Event – Effective January 1, 2020

10/17/2019

• 2020 Cost-Share Waiver (CSW) Changes

• New Quantity Limits on Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)

• CareFirst Day of Equity and Action Recap

• Updating ACA Small Group Eligibility Guidelines Regarding Common Law Employees

• Limited-Time Bonus Program for December and January Business

10/03/2019

• Audit Update—Delivery of Renewal Packages and SBCs

• Reminder: Full-Time Equivalent Submission Form Required for Renewals

• Scale Back Lifestyle Change Program Has Launched

• Disclosure of Creditable vs. Non-Creditable Prescription Drug Coverage

09/19/2019

• Follow CareFirst on LinkedIn

• 2020 Small Group Updates

• Enhancements Coming to Find a Doctor and Treatment Cost Estimator Online Tools

09/05/2019

• MD Coverage for Single Dispensing of up to a 12-Month Supply of Prescription Contraceptives - Effective January 1, 2020

• Hurricane Dorian – Member Access to Care and Prescriptions

08/22/2019

• Broker Acknowledgment Form Required on CareFirst MedPlus Medicare Supplement Sales

• Upcoming Outreach to Members About Potential Gaps in Care

• Coming Soon—Scale Back Lifestyle Change Program

• CareFirst to Audit Broker Delivery of Summaries of Benefits and Coverage

• Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) Rebate Mailings in September

• D.C. Breast Density Screening and Notification Amendment

08/08/2019

• 2019 Group Contract Applications Reminder

• CareFirst Video Visit Marketing Campaign

• Medication Prior Authorization Updates

• New Process for On-Exchange Voluntary Terminations

• Whole Health Bundling Discount Launch

• VA Expedited Review of Adverse Coverage Determinations for Cancer

• VA Coverage for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

07/25/2019

• Coming Soon—Scale Back, A New Diabetes Prevention Program to Replace Innergy Weight Management

• Implementation of My Account Security Feature Delayed

• Virginia Revises Definition of Small Employer - Effective July 1

• Correction: 2020 Health Savings Account and Compliant Health Plan Limits

• Blue Cross Blue Shield National Medicare Awareness Campaign

06/27/2019

• Deactivating Portal Access for Accounts Not Used within 365 Days

• 2020 Health Savings Account and Compliant Health Plan Limits

• Off-cycle Formulary Change Scheduled

• FDA Approves Zolgensma

06/13/2019

• CareFirst to Conduct Group Eligibility Audits

• 2019 Vitality Mails to Subscribers this Month

• CareFirst Adding Lactation Consultants to Provider Network

• Producer Manuals Available Online

• Authorization Forms Required to Access Member Information

05/16/2019

• CareFirst Announces New BlueDental EPO for Groups

• New CareFirst Video Visit Services Available

• Zolgensma – Pending FDA Approval

• New Payment Address and Banking Wire Information

05/02/2019

• Measles Vaccinations

04/18/2019

• New! More Balanced 51+ Offerings to Meet Employer Needs

• New Video Visit Services Launching in May

• FirstCare℠ Team Provides Personalized Support for Members

• What’s New with Wellness

• New Two-Step Verification Coming Soon to My Account

04/04/2019

• New CareFirst Study Demonstrates Value or Integrated Benefits

• Medical Loss Ratio Remediation Rebate Mailings Underway

• Summary of Preventive and Contraceptive Services, Updated

• Small Group Sales Tools Available on the Broker Portal

03/07/2019

• New Wellness and Incentive Program Launched on March 1

• CareFirst Earns 'Most Ethical' Designation for Seventh Consecutive Year

• Account and Member Outreach for Coordination of Benefits

• 2019 Group Contract Applications Reminder

• CareFirst Sales Offices Closed March 18

02/21/2019

• Join Broker Central to Provide Real-Time Feedback

02/07/2019

• Member Materials to Promote New Wellness and Incentive Program

• 2019 Formulary Reminder

• Information Regarding 1095 Forms

• Updated Broker Express Access

01/24/2019

• BJ’s Optical Leaves Vision Network

• New Member Notifications When ID Card Is Available Online

• Producer Fraud, Waste and Abuse

• Walmart to Remain in CVS Pharmacy Network

01/03/2019

• Benefit Plan Update Effective January 1, 2019