Health Insurance Information

Listed below are the forms and/or information that may answer questions you may have regarding your health insurance policy.  If you have any questions that cannot be answered from the attached forms, please contact 518 696 2112 ext 1136

Plan Summaries

Health care reform: Update on colonoscopy procedures as preventive care

The Affordable Care Act (or health care reform law) states that non-grandfathered health plans have to cover certain preventive care services and screenings at no cost-sharing when they are done by an in-network provider.

Coverage for colonoscopies as a preventive screening has been a concern for many members, and mainly for those with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Some carriers do not view a colonoscopy as preventive if polyps are removed during the procedure, even when the purpose from the start was preventive. When this happens, members may end up being billed a co-payment or having it applied to their deductible and/or coinsurance.

Our coverage says that a colonoscopy done as a screening at first is covered under preventive care benefits even if polyps are removed. A colonoscopy done for a diagnostic reason because the member has symptoms is covered as a regular medical/surgical service, and can be billed a co-payment or have it applied to their deductible and/or coinsurance. To help explain this in more detail we’ve made a fact sheet.

Eating right

Good nutrition is key to a healthy weight. But there’s more to healthy eating than counting calories. The right balance of nutrients comes from different types of food.
March is Nutrition Month. And it’s a great time to remind your employees of the importance of smart food choices. At Time Well Spent, you’ll find an entire section on eating healthy that includes recipes, guides and weight management. Look for fliers and posters that you can share with your employees to help spread positive messages about nutrition!

Coming Soon!

Our 2013 Health & Wellness Webinar series kicks off this month with two webinars! We’ll offer “The Next Level of Wellness” on March 26th, and “Wellness 101 for Small Business” on March 28th. Please visit our site for more information and registration.

For questions regarding claims, duplicate cards, plan information, etc.:

Blue Cross Blue Shield Customer Service
1-800-544-2583

For help in understanding and resolves claims:

Health Advocate Service
1-800-359-5465

Blue Cross Blue Shield Website
www.bcbswny.com