Special Bulletin from your Blue Cross Blue Shield Agency Office
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) previously notified you that your current policy would not be available after Dec. 31, 2013, because it didn’t meet the minimum standards required by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) starting in 2014.
Under federal and state guidance announced in November, you may now keep your current policy and renew it for the upcoming policy year beginning in 2014.
As a BCBSIL policyholder, you now have two options:
Option 1 – Keep Your Current Policy
You may choose to keep your current policy. If you choose this option, your current individual health insurance policy will not be canceled. If you did not choose a new policy for 2014, and would like to keep your current policy, just continue to pay your premiums on or before their due dates. Your current policy will renew for 2014.
If you chose a new policy for 2014, but you would like to keep your current policy, you need to let BCBSIL know that you want to keep your current policy AND cancel your request to change to the new policy you choose for 2014. Please click here to get the “Request to Withdraw Enrollment in New 2014 Policy.” form. It will need to be returned through email, fax or mail by Dec. 23, 2013.
Your premium will be adjusted to reflect 2014 rates as well as a 4.1% increase to reflect ACA fees and other associated costs that go into effect in 2014. These fees are designed to support programs that will stabilize premiums and provide subsidies to qualified individuals to help them purchase coverage.
Option 2 – Choose a New Policy
You still have the option to choose a new policy for 2014. If you choose a new policy, your current policy will be canceled to coordinate with the effective date of the new policy. You will have a new individual health insurance policy that meets the minimum standards required by ACA in 2014.
If you’ve already selected a new policy for 2014, you do not need to take further action.
If you haven’t selected a new policy for 2014 yet, but would like to do so, please go to http://www.helpmebuybcbs.com
or contact, Bonny Allbright /FREEDOM BENEFIT SOLUTIONS, your BCBSIL agent, at 877-740-8683 to review your options.
If you would like your new policy to begin on Jan. 1, 2014, you will need to make your selection and enroll by Dec. 23, 2013.
This year’s open enrollment is scheduled to continue through Mar. 31, 2014. When you enroll after Dec. 23, 2013, the date your new policy will begin will be based on your enrollment date.
Next week, a letter with full details and a notice required by the federal government will be mailed to you.
Until then, please call our office if you have any questions or view the FAQ.