Group Health Insurance Updates: Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, and Horizon BCBSNJ

The following information was distributed by our partner Kistler Tiffany Benefits regarding policy updates for Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, and Horizon BCBSNJ the week of March 30, 2020. Kirwan Benefits & Investments will continue to provide updates as we receive them. 

 

Independence Blue Cross Announces Payment Flexibility for Fully Insured Group Customers

Independence Blue Cross encourages all customers who are able to pay their premiums on time to continue to do so, but understands the toll this crisis is taking on business of all sizes. For customers who are unable to make their premium payments, they will be offering two opportunities to help lessen this burden.

Credit card payments

For fully insured customers with fewer than 500 enrolled employees, IBC will be accepting credit cards for premium payments from April 6 until July 31, 2020. Credit card payments may be used to satisfy past‑due premiums as well as any current amounts that are due. We will be accepting American Express, Discover, Visa, and MasterCard. IBC will also be waiving any fees associated with credit card payments. Customers can make credit card payments through the eBill functionality on the employer portal. IBC will provide step‑by‑step instructions for eBill in a future communication.

Deferred payment plan

In extreme hardship cases, IBC will allow fully insured customers with fewer than 500 enrolled employees to defer either their April or May monthly premium with no interest and no penalty. The deferred premium will need to be paid over three monthly installments that will be paid with their August, September, and October payments. Interested customers would need to sign a Deferred Payment Plan Agreement. Click here to read more.

 

Aetna Provides Options to Groups to Change Plans Prior to Renewal Due to Financial Hardship

In their most recent FAQ, Aetna has verbalized options for groups of all sizes to allow prospective plan changes, such as benefit buy downs, provided that the group maintains the same renewal date. This option is available until July 31, 2020.

• Aetna Small Group (2-100) Insured & Small Group Aetna Funding Advantage FAQ Health Plan options for business owners during COVID-19 pandemic
• Aetna Commercial Employers 100+ Insured and Self-Funded FAQ Health plan options for business owners during COVID-19 pandemic

 

Horizon BCBSNJ Makes Accommodations on Both Initial Binder Payments and Current Group Payments

Due to the recent situation that is affecting everyone, Horizon BCBSNJ is doing the very best to accommodate current and future clients during this time.

CURRENT BUSINESS: As of 04/01/2020 after 3PM, current business will be allowed to pay their SG premiums via credit card with the billing department

NEW BUSINESS: For New Business, Horizon has also extended the courtesy for business to pay their initial binder payment via Credit card as well.

The group will not submit a binder check as they normally would do. The groups will be given a 31 day grace period to pay their premium. The group will be allowed to be approved without the initial premium check but a note on the paperwork as to why, will be needed for auditing purposes. Once the group is approved and receives their Group # they can then contact enrollment from that point. The Enrollment department will be able to assist them with the payment process.

Initial payment can be made via:

• Credit Card
• initial payment can be sent via their banks online bill pay using the remittance address below
• by calling into the automated payment system (IVR)
• or via ACH

The remittance address is:

Horizon BCBSNJ  
PO Box 10130
Newark, NJ 07101-3130

 Please feel free to contact Kirwan Benefits & Investments with any questions about these updates or group health insurance.