Important Information on Short-Term and Marketplace Plans with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee

What’s Changing?

Short-Term Plans:·         Several new regulations are restricting our ability to cost-effectively support short-term health insurance policies. After much thought and discussion, we will no longer offer these plans after August 30, 2016. This applies to new policies and renewals.

Marketplace Plans:·         Due to rising processing fees, we’ve chosen to stop accepting credit cards for premium payments. Members can no longer make credit card payments online, but may still make credit card payments by phone through December 31, 2016. Beginning January 1, 2017, we will no longer accept credit cards for any premium payment. Members can continue to pay their premiums online with a debit card or electronic check, by paper check, or by setting up automatic monthly payments.
·         Starting in January 2017, we will administer claims during the payment grace period according to our existing policy language. This changes how members can access their pharmacy benefits at the point of purchase. If the premium has not been paid in full by the due date, and the member has a prescription filled, they will have to pay for their prescription. After the member has paid their monthly premium, they can then file a claim for reimbursement. Claim reimbursement forms can be found at bcbst.com under “Manage my Plan”, then under “Forms.”